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GOANNAS NEWS

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Bonham Leading the Cheer

25/5/2016

7 Comments

 
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For over twenty-odd years, the Goannas have been fortunate enough to have many dyed-in-the-wool fans supporting the players whether the games are played in Saitama, Chiba, or anywhere across the Tokyo plains. From Lorien Parker bringing out the Allens snakes during quarter-time  breaks to Annmaree Scanlan cutting fresh oranges for the players and hurling colourful language at opposition and umpires alike.

Still, there have been rumours the club is debating whether it needs to move with the times and start figuring out ways to add a bit of innovation and "oomph" to match-day support and entertainment. One of the suggestions that has seen the greatest debate recently is the use of game-day cheerleaders much akin to American sports. 

It is understood the Goannas US export Doug Bonham has been the main driver for this. When approached, Bonham chose not to give too much away. Initially saying he "frankly didn't care" either way. He later opened up to explain further.

"As an American, the more I see 'cheer squads' behind the goals in the AFL the more I wonder why television coverage even has live microphones near them to pick up their mediocre "chants".  American cheerleaders are cute and never heard from, which is a massive upgrade to say the least. It should be something we at least look into".

Although having the presence of cheerleaders with red and white pom-poms is without doubt a dramatic departure from the norm and what some may call 'un-Australian', it has been done before. The Nagoya Redbacks have only ever beaten the Goannas once. That was in 2013 when they recruited a cheerleading team to perform on the day with baseball-style music blairing through the speakers after every home-team goal.

The current Goanna captain Daniel Last can still recall that fateful day:  "It was a very dark day for me playing out of the back pocket. I had 5 goals kicked on me, and every time another went through the Redback Ra Ra Girls came on to give a cheer. The worst part of the whole ordeal was that I ended up winning the three votes for best on, simply due to the number times my involvement in the play resulted in another show for the Goannas. It was possibly the worst day ever - or the best. I'm still not sure".

Whether this would have the same effect on the much more disciplined Japanese players would be another matter. Definitely in Bonham's corner though, Peter Apps was candid about his views when asked whether cheerleading is the way of the future this week.

"I love it. I thought about it so many times. I had some fun ideas if we had a couple of girls we could possibly mix it up with a few boys for a laugh before a game".

In fact, so eager for the idea was Apps he had began drawing plans for what it may look like by photo-shopping players into photos of professional cheer-leaders - as seen by the accompanying photos to this article.

Club President Sam Ghirardello was non-commital about it all however.

"I would say that we already have an awesome cheer squad - unfortunately they don't actually do any cheering or pay any attention to the game, but they're a cheer squad nonetheless!"

When asked whether Bonham had approached him about this officially, Ghirardello laughed off the suggestion.

"I think the Big Dog would love some cheerleaders on the sidelines - Portland style! Might inspire a few Warwick Capper moments in the big fella".

The concern I have though is that I do fear the cheerleaders would distract the spectators from the sublime skills on the field".

It would seem without the President's thumbs up (not taking into account he actually broke his thumb in the Round 1 encounter), Bonham's idea increasingly looks like one to be scuppered. Notwithstanding, it wouldn't be the first time senior leaders did an about-face if Bonham and Apps can gain enough support and momentum for the idea. What they need first would be willing cheerleaders.

When #Goannasmedia tried asking one of the player WAG's whether she would be open to being a cheerleader armed with pom-poms for the team, her texted reply was simply "lol".

Surprisingly, even fellow North American James Bash Dennier was not so eager for the idea to happen.

"Cheerleaders usually do their stuff during breaks and timeouts. Like soccer, footy is a continuous sport so you have have a set time for them to dance. Still, having some pretty girls would keep guys from getting their pants pulled down so you never know. The Big Dog can be quite persuasive".

So although there may seem some support for the pro-cheerleading group, the mountain to climb seems quite substantial for the time being. It may yet be a while before we see the word 'Goannas' spelt out in body and limbs.

---
Have your say: What do you think about the team having an official game-day cheer leading squad? Post your thoughts in the Comments section below - we'd love to hear them.
7 Comments
Kaoli Sugurada
26/5/2016 10:44:04 am

Cheerleading is of the great idea! My favorite player is of the Jarrod Woodward - can he be??

Reply
Tokyo Goannas
30/5/2016 12:47:34 pm

Thanks for your enthusiasm Kaoli. We agree that Jarrod would be a great choice for cheerleader. Not only is he the Goanna's best-dressed member, but he's also a huge AKB fan which makes him the perfect candidate. Please feel free to add him on Facebook.

Reply
Kaoli Sagurada
1/6/2016 04:35:58 pm

Thank you of the suggesting Mr Goanna-san! Is of the Woodward-san childish? He liking the AKB? I like of the Twopac Shaker!

Rob Le
26/5/2016 02:19:21 pm

Cheerleaders for AFL? What rubbish!? It will never work nor should it. That Bash guy hit the nail on the head! Fantastic of NAB to still be on board the Goannas though!

Reply
Tokyo Goannas
30/5/2016 12:57:15 pm

Hi Rob. We are also extremely happy to have a company as reputable as NAB continue their support of the Goannas - we wouldn't be able to do what we do without them.
Thank you very much for also providing your thoughts on our cheerleader discussion. What your argument lacked in substance, was made up for in validity. With that being said, your use of the term "never" may be a little strong. The only time the Goannas use that word is in our policy to "never let a bloke with a top knot into the club".
We look forward to future comments from you.

Reply
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  • Home
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    • A League Fixture
    • Asian Champs
    • Japan Cup
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    • The History >
      • Goannas Beginning
      • AFL comes to Japan
      • Japan learns Aussie Rules
      • Mid-late 90s
      • The Mitchell Years
    • Blog Archives
    • Gallery >
      • 2011
      • 2010
      • 2009
      • 2008
      • 2007
      • 2006
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