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Kangaroos Revive Traditional BLUE - WHITE CLASSIC

submitted by: Roving Roo Reporter (Nashville, TN)

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This Saturday at 2 pm, be sure to come out to Elmington Park and see the Kangaroos footy team in action in the BLUE - WHITE CLASSIC. Those of you with who have been of legal drinking age for the length of this decade will remember when this used to be the match that kicked off the Kangaroos season. This traditional match is the chance for all the players, both the wily veterans and the eager young guns, to impress the coaches show off for the home fans. The field will be a bit smaller which should enhance the scoring, and as of Wednesday it looks like we will be having some glorious weather.

Coach Marty Thompson will be putting some of the veterans in new positions (he is keeping those a secret until just before the game). The Rooboys are getting ready to head up to Chicago at the end of the month and take on the defending MAAFL Champions so he will be particulary focused on making sure these leaders stay focused. As always, expect big games from the usual cast of characters: Luke "Ooga Booga" Nemeth, Dee "Weeman" Vsetecka, Damian "What's Serong With That", Mischa Nemeth, Travis "Quig" Quigley, Gilberto "Chimi" Ortiz (showing off for his new daughter, undoubtedly!), Justin Davis, Matt Wheatley, Kevin "Spoons" Smyth, Mike "Goon" Guinsburg, and Brian "Ray Ray" Grant. Keep an eye out for the next Roo to make the US Revolution squad as he debuts his new nickname, Nick "Chopper" Parker. Lastly, these two guys will be easy to spot: look for the grey hair and you will find Evan "Colonel" Ling and Jeff "Peeps" Persson.

This is also the chance to see what the new recruits can do. We have a couple of guys who are no longer Rookie Joeys: Chris "Hong Kong" Hamp-Lyons and Jesse "The Bod" Wells. Keep your eyes peeled for the aptly nicknamed speedster Daniell "Whippet" Liepply, and the equally aptly nickamed Todd "Tonka" Haralson. Don't be surprised to see Dave Ackley kick is first goal as a Roo, and pay particular attention to Justin White who will undoubtedly be in the ruck. This season also marks the return of two of the Class of 2007: Brien "Kitten" Blandford who never passes up a chance to stick his nose in a contest and Neil Cumming, who has been known to use his deceptive speed and hand strength to take one-handed marks.

While you at the game, stop by the merchandise booth. 2009 Members can pick up their Membership Card, Member Tee Shirt, and a complimentary bumper sticker. Not yet a 2009 Member? We can fix that for you on the spot. Don't forget that your paid membership also gets you the deep discount at all Post Game Celebrations for the year! We will also have our merchandise available, plus we are taking pre-orders for our brand new Kangaroos Polo Shirt.

After the game, join both teams from 7:00 - 10:00 PM for the Post Game Celebration at Dan McGuinness Pub on Demonbreun near downtown, located just one block west off of I-65 (1538 Demonbreun St, Nashville, TN 37203). We have a dinner and drinks option with your choice of a plate of Shepherd's Pie or Fish-n-Chips plus 2-for-1 bottles of brew. Cost is $8 for paid 2009 Members and $15 for non-Members.