​Tokyo Goannas - Sliding Shoji: Sendai Trip edition.
 
On the eve of our first footy tour in over a year we introduce to the Goannas faithful our very own Tokyo Goannas Sliding Shoji (doors) segment.

Inspired by the weekly afl.com.au version, the we at Sliding Shoji will tackle the big issues circulating Footy in Japan.

This week we take a more detailed look at the touring party heading up to Sendai. 

Saturday, July 9, 2016 
Round 4
Tokyo Goannas vs Tokyo Bay Suns
YCAC
 
A morning of rain may have kept the crowd away, but the boys from the Tokyo Goannas knew that they would have to show up to have any chance of winning the top-of-the-table clash against the Tokyo Bay Suns. At stake: bragging rights, of course—but what else? With the JAFL becoming more and more competitive each week, ladder position is everything, and a win or a loss either way could be the difference between playing deep into finals and not even playing at al all. Fielding a depleted line up, the Goannas would have to run themselves into the ground to prove that last year’s Grand Final wasn’t a miracle, that the Goannas mean business every time they don the V.
 
But the boys were on the back foot from the first bounce. The Suns took control through the midfield early, setting up their forwards with four quick goals. Slow to man up and displaying none of the aggression that resulted in a famous two-point victory nine months ago, last year’s Premiers were unable to work themselves into the game. Captain Daniel Last had a chance to steady the ship running into space 25 metres out, directly in front, but his shot on goal sailed wide, an important lesson for kids not to change their ball drop mid ball drop. It was only through a late goal to Alex Wyatt that the ’Annas were finally able to hit the scoreboard in a major way.
 
This was the situation at the quarter-time huddle: undermanned, 18 points down, players muddied and bloodied. It would take a huge effort for Tokyo’s favourite footy club to finish top of the table at the final siren.
 
Make that a Yooj effort.
 
Yuji Yamamoto’s steamrolling attack out of the last line of defence gave the Goannas the confidence they needed to take the game on. One play in particular from Yuji left half the Suns flat on the floor like bowling pins. Working in perfect unison alongside him was speedy defender Andrew Last, whose ability to read the play resulted in multiple intercept possessions and a goal from the wing.
 
At the other end of the field, strength was another telling difference between the sides, with the bigger Goannas pushing their weight around: Travis Wilson won the hard balls, Alex out-muscled his opponents, Doug Bonham shepherded through goal after goal, and Steven Palmer kicked a big sausage in his John Farnham farewell tour.
 
Importantly, the Goannas were accountable in defence, denying the Suns any momentum. Not only talking the talk but walking the walk, the boys in red and white were able to kick one goal ahead late in the half. Not even a Jason Fan midfield snap in 100% the wrong direction could stop the Goannas from believing that they could and would win.
 
Scores were level 36-36 heading into the big break.
 
The third quarter showcased Goannas footy to a T: 15 minutes of non-stop head over the ball. Coach Sam Ghirardello was the stand-out player, going back with courage time after time and backing up his bravery with repeated hit-outs to advantage. It was the gut running of the boys in the guts that kept the ball rolling, with Jason and Dan at the bottom of the pack every time, while Owen Kearney, Jarrod Woodward and Daud Hegarty were the clearance kings, orchestrating open space up and down the ground and transitioning the ball beautifully into the now-dominating forward line. Yuji and Andrew didn’t relent in defence either, choking the Suns’ attack and keeping them scoreless in a quarter for the first time this season.
 
The Suns’ fourth quarter revival was short lived, with the opponents kicking three easy goals only to have the wind taken out of their sails with late Goannas goals setting up a famous 31-point win against the odds. It was all about effort, and there wasn’t a single player who didn’t having blood flowing at the end of the game. KC Imai typified the spirit of the footy club when he took a big hit on the sideline but bounced back to run out the game battered and bruised.
 
Alex was the man of the moment with five goals on his fifth wedding anniversary, while Sam, Andrew and Yuji where voted first-, second- and third-best on ground, respectively.
 
The Goannas are now sitting pretty on the top of the table, with games against the Hawks and Lions to come after a long break. Saturday’s game has shown that Goannas footy, at its best, is the best footy in Japan, and it will be through the same spirit and support that the boys come away sipping from the Premiership Cup two seasons in a row.
 
Goannas        1.3       5.6       11.9     13.11   (89)
Suns               4.3       5.6       5.6       8.10     (58)

Earlier in the year we spoke with Kapi Thitiwat the new Goanna import from Tonga, and he didn't disappoint with his candid views on teammates and opposition despite having never met them before. We found out he revered Michito Sasaki from R246 Lions calling the tough onballer mini-Rambo, wanted to introduce Jarrod Woodward to his sister after being impressed by his fashion sense, and didn't understand a word of Australiana coming out of captain Dan Last.


Now two games into the season proper we were curious to see how the big man is traveling with his new teammates.

Goannas Media caught up with Kapi this week and sat him down at our clubhouse Hobgoblins Roppongi for another round of Q&A to see if we can get him to open up to us once more. He happily obliged.

Reporter: Thank you for your time again Kapi, how's everything going?

Kapi: Bad

R: Why's that?

K: Your player Jason Fan ask me to meet him here but he has caught the wrong train. I have a busy schedule.

R: Sorry to hear that Kapi. Talking about players how have you gotten along with your new teammates?

K: Very good. There is a new Goanna called Mitch (Stace). I like him. He has strange paintings on his legs, arms, and chest. I must ask him to introduce me to his tribe.

R: I don't think he is in a tribe, and those paintings are tattoos.

K: Did he become outcast from his tribe? It must be painful experience that is why he always gives a war-cry to the umpires.

R: You should ask him yourself Kapi. Anyway, how have you picked up the skills? Who has been helping you?

K: Maybe I am now 3rd best player in the team. Best player is the one they call Muzz (Chris Murray). He is a backman and he is like a brick wall. I tried to go home after the game but he would not let me pass him. Also, I tried to eat my Lu Sipi but he punched it out of my hands. 
Other best player is Dan Last. He is like a Tongan land messenger because he has running talent. Also, he has magical kicking powers. When he kicks the ball it is very unpredictable and can go in amazing angles.

R: I heard you have been getting some personal skills advice from Palmy as well (Steve Palmer). How is that going?

K: Yes he is a good player and a nice man. He has been teaching me his special ball drop technique. I am still waiting for the ball to hit my feet.

R: Is there any part of the game you have been struggling with?

K: Kapi does not struggle.

R: Well, how about the running? You mentioned you didn't like running last time. Have you been able to run out games?

K: The coach and President Onigiridello (Sam Ghiradello) said I do not need to run if I can get to the right spots. The ball will come to me.

R: How is that working out for you?

K: It would be good if they kick it to me. Onigiridello says I am unlucky because I have been burned by them not honoring my standing leads.

R: Sorry to hear that. Who in particular has been dishonoring you?

K: Michito the mini-Rambo.

R: Michito Sasaki? How is that? He is not even on our team so he cannot pass you the ball.

K: He was umpire and I beckoned him over with my index finger. I wanted to show him my respect because like I said my people in Tonga love Rambo. But he told me he is not Rambo.

R: Obviously he isn't literally Rambo...

K: I was shocked to learn this. It is like when I found out Yoooj (Yuji Yamamoto) was Japanese. I thought Adonis was Malaysian.

R: OK despite these unsettling revelations are you enjoying the game? Have you met Jarrod Woodward the man you wanted to introduce to your sister?

K: Yes I have met the Jezz. He wore Banana Republic to the game and had the bag by Stussy. I was not able to speak to him because he was also wearing pants by True Religion. In Tonga that brand is not acceptable because it is blasphemous. This news will disappoint my sister.


R: I'll pass him the unfortunate news. So round 3 is in 2 weeks at the home of football, YCAC. You must be excited.

K: Yes I hope the man they call Leon Neon (Leon Appleby) will be there with his camera. I just washed my red Goanna shorts and they shrunk two sizes. It will be a nice chance for him to take some nice pictures of me and Yooooj. I taught him new poses.

R: Good luck Kapi, and we look forward to seeing those pictures. Also looking forward to hearing from you again later in the year.

K: Thank you. As captain Dan Last says,  "Go Bananas"!

R: I think you mean Go `Annas!

K: Maybe. I do not know what he says.

​They say when in Japan you should make the trek to Mount Fuji to scale the highest peak this eclectic country has to offer. That may be true if you're talking about peaks that are indigenous to the country. If not, then you'd be mistaken because pure metrics suggest the highest peak in Japan now actually reside on the arms of the man they call.. well, Arms. Also known as one Travis Wilson.

Just like those bicep curls, Arms just keeps on pumping them out and last round racked up his 150th game for the Tokyo Goannas football club. A feat no other player has achieved. Some lately have started calling him Boomer after the North Melbourne legend Brent Harvey who is due to break the AFL all-time games record this year while still playing at an elite level. At 43, and finishing in the top 3 in last years best and fairest, Arms himself shows little signs of decline.

"Game by game, year by year, until there is a better option", has been his mantra when asked how long he could go on for. 

Having played forward, back, midfield, and even ruck over the years, a scary thought for his club is that they were almost to miss out on him altogether. 

"My first game was in 2003. I first came across the Goannas at The Clubhouse in Shinjuku at the 2000 AFL grand final event. They put me on the email list from then, but I couldn't be bothered going to any of the games."

So what changed? 

"In 2003 a friend of mine knew one of the Goannas and finally I made it down to give it a go".

Since then it has been a whirlwind of ups and downs as he spent a moment to reminisce the more memorable moments this week - good and bad.
 
"The best moments have been the tours over the years. Playing in the Asian Champs. Especially our first one in Manila in 2005."

Indeed, that was the year the Goannas first attended the Asian Champs and with no subs on the bench went all the way to the semi final after a highly contentious 2 point victory over Bali where fellow Goanna player Flanagan touched the ball on the line saving a certain goal. Replays later showed the only thing Flanagan touched was 10 cm of fresh air between him and the Sherrin.

"There were also some tough times too. The toughest when we had trouble getting players and we just scrapped enough together for a game. That's happened a couple of times over the years. One of those years I also fractured my ankle and that kept me out for a few games in 2013".

Perhaps the mother of all disappointments though came off-field. A brutal realization of mortality. Yes, we're talking about his arm wrestle defeats. 

Arms had always had the whole football club behind him during these merciless battles against opposition strongmen and so when the losses came, it would hit him hardest. When asked about these moments Arms became quiet for a moment before asking for some space. Minutes later after regathering himself he apologized and gave an effusive answer.

"That loss, that was in Tokyo against a young (Osaka) Dingo. The other one, well, no one remembers the one against a big rugby guy". 


Possibly the only other event that could be comparable in pain was the whole Essendon saga that engulfed the AFL world for the past 3 years. His beloved footy club in crisis and reduced to an easybeat, 12 players suspended for alleged doping. At first his teammates would make fun of him with endless Essendon drug jokes. That didn't last for long though and club stalwart Peter Apps remembers those times well.

"He doesn't say much Trav, but when we asked him how Essendon was going, gee we got that look....things we just don't ask Trav".

Much like his football, it was simple for the man himself.

"It was all good the stick they were dishing out until it became personal".

Since I (the author) was probably one of the main perpetrators, a change of subject was in order.

Taking a well-timed segue way, the discussion turned to the good people of the club, the same teammates who have shared many beers and victories with the evergreen utility. Asked who had been the biggest character over the years, it didn't take too long for Arms to pinpoint the perpetrators.

"Two people stand out in particular. For stories and entertainment value Mikey Liddell for sure (stories withheld from publishing for censorship reasons). Also Smoking Pete (Peter Hoskings) who was able to bring everyone together and also led the chants and songs on the bus back from our old ground in Narita. We would then end up at his bar The Clubhouse in Shinjuku".

And the best player? 

"Too many to mention, but for consistency over the years I'd say Dan McGrath although there have been some guys with skills above the rest of us mere mortals at times".


If a survey of Goanna all-time greatest players was to be conducted today it would be reasonable to suggest Arms himself would feature quite prominently. Current President Sam Ghiradello tends to agree.

"The Goannas nicest bloke is also easily our most reliable. As long as Trav is around you always know things are going to be ok out there for us. He's a champ".

Even the younger generation are in awe, with Canadian convert Bash Dennier gushing "He's just a machine, Trav. You just kick it in his general direction like 'yup here you go', and he catches it every time. Sorry, I mean he marks it every time". 

To further imbed his name into Goanna folklore, this year Arms will be gunning for an incredible 10th premiership. Something that is unlikely to ever be matched again, especially with the strength of the current teams in the league. Asked which one was most memorable, the famous 4 point win over the Osaka Dingoes received a hearty mention,

"The best one was 2012 where it was goal for goal against Osaka at the end until Dan McGrath finally kicked the sealer. At the same time sending an upset Dingo into immediate retirement."

Indeed, it was Arms who laid the assist for the winning goal looping an improbable handball from congestion hard on the boundary over the defender and into the waiting hands of McGrath. Reports the next day hailed it as the 'Handball of God'.


Apart from his football exploits, off-field Arms has had his fare share of moments as well. The most infamous of them in 2007.

"There have been many great times on tour. Personally the stabbing incident would be a memorable one on the Osaka trip in 2007".

That would be the moment he was mistaken for another person and was stabbed by a local who promptly fled the scene. Taken to hospital, it was a badge of honor and a colorful way to end the tour.

He won't be stopping there though hoping the coming years will bring a few more stories yet.

"Looking forward to a few more this year in Vietnam for the Asian Champs. First time to play there".

As salutation for one of the greatest Goannas to have ever pulled on the jumper, the club has asked one his great teammates Luke Eyes to dig into the archives for some dirt on the big fella. Fortunately a few nuggets of gold were found and as we marvel at the man that never stops, we leave you with a few videos found from quite some years ago. Aptly titled: "Travis, the drunk Aussie".  

​“It's a day for cricket” was the statement from referee Michito-san.  A hot and sunny day reminding all involved that the JAFL is still based on an Australian game. 
 
In what can only be described as the closest 100 point victory in footy history, the Magpies were unjustly represented on the scoreboard.  They played a tough, physical, active game and will be a challenging match-up for any team they come up against all season.
 
That said, it was an equally strong performance by the Goannas.  Murmurs before the game were that ‘if Trav shows up, we win this one’.  And in veteran form, big Arms did in fact show up… on his own time.  He did, as he has so many times before, put on a clinic on how a leading forward should play.  Using his size, strength, and experience to full effect, Arms dominated the forward line kicking goals and unselfishly setting up easy marks to on-running midfielders as he has done an astonishing 149 times before – showing the longevity of two Boomer Harveys sat upon each other’s shoulders wearing a trench coat. Well done big fella!
 
This game started well with midfield domination from Oceans, Lasty, Brett-o, KC, Jason Fan and Sam Ghirra, who played most of the game hunched over like an old man looking for a penny; Sam showed what it meant to get your head over the ball, and though he didn’t get the bounces from the footy gods, he put in a presidential effort, preferring to win the ball than protect himself.  Oceans was in good form chasing and harrying, in one instance sprinting for what must have been about 150 meters before winning the ball, but then spraying wide.  It was a great effort deserving of his magnificent dirt beard.
 
Not to be outdone in the midfield new comers Andrew ‘Principal’ Shinners and Matty ‘it’s gotta be the shoes’ Uphill proved brilliant signings.  Matty running the left wing with impunity and Shinners making at least three line breaking runs for goals.   Without the Irish to do our running for us, the new boys came through in fine form.
 
It was also a terrific effort from the full forwards.  The tap pretty much a forgone conclusion after Brett-o went full Jean Claude Van Damme on the Magpies ruckman. A lot of balls went over the heads of the big men, but Yuji was still able to sky for a great mark that unfortunately only led to one point.  Big Alex, and Big Doug were able to pad their goal totals while taking attention away from Trav.
 
Also in line for praise was Jason Fan, who was such a midfield dynamo that the Goannas decided it was better to tackle him, just in case.  The midfield can’t be mentioned without bring up Mitch, whose tattoos drew the referees ire.  The left leg tattoos giving away a fifty (well… 30) in the first half (even though it was really Yuji!) and the right conceding a holding the ball despite an empirically proven, successful handball to Alex.
 
Jarrod Woodward and KC were full of running, combining for a few sausage rolls.  In particular, Jarrod ran forward fearlessly, kicking from goals from medium range like a myopic sniper.  He was partly able to do this because KC provided excellent cover for Owen Kearny and Super Nintendo Chalmers who were both equally adept at wing or half back and was able to turn offence into defence consistently.  Speaking of defence, the excellent midfield didn’t leave much for the back line to deal with. Muzzle, able to bring the Maggies full forward to heal the entire game, didn't give away a thing.  He was spelled by 2-point best-and-fairest award winner Bash, whose desire to support the team is matched only by his complete and utter lack of talent. With that said, despite very undeliberately deliberately kicking the ball out of bounds, the man from America’s Hat beat multiple opponents on more than one occasion to prove invaluable in restricting the Magpie forwards.
 
But the best of the back line was clearly Andrew Last.  As he did in the Poseidon’s game, Firsty turned the momentum of the game effortlessly.  Along with brother Dan, the Lasts were clearly the best on ground for all to see.  Lasty with limitless energy tackled, marshalled, and led like a general, not to mention kicked a bit of a screamer.  Andy, in perhaps a more elegant way was able to read the game like New York Times book reviewer.  Knowing where to be and where to go at a level unmatched in the JAFL.  It was a great display by the brothers, and I mean that the way black people say it… which is more meaningful, I think.
 
It was a good win, but in watching a dominant Suns team play the second match there will be much to work on in the upcoming month.  Let’s all make sure to get around each other for a well won match and prepare ourselves for the wars to come.


​James Dennier

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.

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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.

One of the newest and youngest members of the Goannas team, hailing from the grand ol' city of Melbourne, Jason 'Fanny' Fan came to Tokyo looking to further develop his football career after narrowly missing out on impressing the Hawthorn scouts while playing kick-to-kick with a mate down at Waverley Park.


Having dreamt of one day following in the footsteps of his idol Paul Puopulo, Fan scoured the internet for a team that could give him one last chance to get into the big league.

Enter the Tokyo Goannas Football Club.

"I saw this superb looking website and decided to send an email. I wasn't expecting an answer since I was a bit flat Hawthorn didn't pick me up. Fortunately Sam Ghirardello got back to me and asked me to come in for training".

It didn't all go to plan though and Fan soon found out he would need to start making some adjustments to his expectations. "Pre-season was a good run out. It was good to blow off the cobwebs, however I was expecting training to be on an actual ground and not on some random patch of grass by some old folks playing bocce".

Despite this, Fan put his head down and trained as hard as he could turning coach Ghirra into a fan himself. Round 1 was coming and he knew with the JAFL now streaming games live, there was a chance the scouts at Hawthorn could be watching again.

Asked how he felt before the game, Fan was surprisingly nonplussed. "I didn't really feel any nerves before the game. I had confidence in my preparation and I was just excited to be named in the team and get a run".

He ended up with 7 disposals and 2 tackles in an encouraging debut that showcased his will to harass the opposition. The highlight being a game-saving mark at half back that turned the momentum back the Goannas way. Pragmatic as ever though, Fan saw some room for improvement. "I felt that I have to improve my skills and position further. I want to make more of an impact Puopulo-style and I'm hoping that will come over the course of the season. To be honest I felt like a bit of a passenger".

His parents who made the trek down for his debut didn't mind his game though throwing massive gang signs when Fan almost scored a goal, and at the end had quite a bit to say.

"The folks were here and the weather turned out for them too. They felt a bit sorry for the other team getting smashed though. They also thought big Alex Wyatt and Douggie, our twin towers, were big bullies up in the forward line".

With that, Fan the player also had some choice words for captain Daniel Last. "He's a bit of a clown".

Asked to elaborate, "I better not. He is the captain after all".

It seems for the time being the Goannas number 21 is content staying out of trouble and quietly working up to the kind of form that could have him lining up alongside his hero Puopulo one day. "For now I'm just here to learn how to play the game properly and get along with everyone. Including Dan Last".

So it seems with the changing of the guard this year, a new Fan has us sensing there may also be a change in the wind. Stay tuned.