In a week in which Andrew Carrazzo has returned to the Carlton senior team confronting Collingwood at the MCG, it’s fitting the Italians should strike an early blow for the Blues in the old country.
Last Saturday, members of the Italo-Australian Rules outfit Roma Blues took out the AFL Italia Championship - knocking over minor Premiers and arch-rivals Milano Aussie Rulers 12.9 (81) -5.6 (36) – in the Northeast Italian province of Pordenone.
Proudly wearing the Carlton colours, the Roma Blues – ably led by Sebastian Caffaratti with six goals - emerged triumphant in the Grand Final, which was staged as part of the annual Rugby Festival at Stadia Omero Tognon di Fontanafredda.
Revenge was truly sweet for the victors, who twice lost to Milano through the course of the home and away season – once by the last kick 36-34 in Rome; the other 41-25 in Genova.
“The game was fast paced and very physical and passionate, as usual in the AFL Italia, and confirmed the steps ahead made by the movement in Italy,” said Roma Blues spokesman Marco Musella.
Musella reminded that the Roma Blues actually took out the inaugural AFL Italia Premiership in 2010 (with the trophy presented to the winning captain by the Australian Ambassador to Italy David Ritchie) and followed up with victory in the 2012 Italia Cup.
“Ninety per cent of our team members are Italian-born. Our logo is inspired by the Carlton one, as most of us are Carlton supporters,” Musella said.
“At least five of our players are selected on an annual basis for the national team, and Sebastian Caffaratti was nominated as the player of the Euro Cup 2011 tournament.”
In the lead-up to the AFL’s Multicultural Round next week, Carlton supporters who would like to extend their congratulations to the Roma Blues can do so by way of the Roma Football Club’s Facebook page.
The Carlton Football Club acknowledges the Roma Blues’ Grand Final victory and is seeking to make connection with other international teams like it whose players wear the club colours.
Representatives of those international clubs who share links with the Blues’ brand can contact the Carlton Football Club’s Community Partnership Coordinator Matthew Hughes – matthew.hughes@carltonfc.com.au
