From Softball AustraliaSoftball Australia is pleased to announce the 17 member Australian Open Men’s team, the Aussie Steelers, who will represent Australia at the ISF XIII Men’s World Championship in Auckland, New Zealand from 1-10 March 2013. This selection process commenced four years ago at the completion of the ISF XII Men’s Championship, when the Aussie Steelers completed an historic win over the New Zealand Black Sox in 2009.
During the past 12 months, selectors have considered the players’ performances at a number of events, including South Brisbane Classic, the ACT International Skins Tournament and the John Reid Shield. Aussie Steelers Head Coach, Bob Harrow, believes that he has the team to win consecutive World Championships. Harrow is “…looking forward to working with the players in preparation for the World Championships.”
After their superior performance in the John Reid Shield, ACT dominates the side with eight players being selected. Their grand final opponents, NSW, have three players selected, with four players from Western Australia and one each from Victoria and Queensland.
Cameron Bint (NSW)
Andrew Havercroft (WA)
Nick Shailes (Qld)
Tim Crome (ACT)
Adam Humble (WA)
Joel Southam (NSW)
Adam Folkard (ACT)
Nathan Jones (WA)
Michael Tanner (ACT)
Michael Gibson (ACT)
Kris Kiefel (Vic)
James Todhunter (NSW)
Jeff Goolagong (ACT)
Andrew Kirkpatrick (ACT)
Zenon Winters (ACT)
Mark Harris (WA)
Nick Norton (ACT)
Three reserves have also been named:
Neal Delpero (WA)
David Edwards (Vic)
Shaun Goffer (Qld)
Collectively, the Aussie Steelers team have over 1,000 international caps, with Kris Kiefel being the most capped player (125) of the group. International experience will be critical at the World Championships on New Zealand soil.
In February, the team will assemble in Canberra for a pre-World Championship training camp, that will include games against Japan and Argentina (to be confirmed), prior to travelling to Auckland just days before the World Championship begins.
Softball Australia congratulates all 17 players and three reserves for their selection and wishes the team good luck.
For Aussie Steelers fans, contact the Softball Australia office on +61 3 9417 0022 for your supporter’s packages or tickets to the World Championships in Auckland. Let’s hop on the plane and get over to Auckland to support the team.
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