528X: Previewing the USAFL Western Regionals

Six weeks.  Four cities.  Another road show comes to its close on Saturday.

It’s been a memorable Regionals Tournament Series.  Lot of close matches, spectacular performances, and even Mother Nature has gotten in on the act.

But the largest of the four tournaments lies ahead of us.  13 teams representing 18 different USAFL clubs from coast to coast come to the crest of the Rockies to duel it out in the hot and high air of suburban Denver.

2025 USAFL Western Regional Championships presented by Tasmanian
Westminster City Park – Westminster, Colorado
First Games begin at 9am MDT
Scores & Fixture | Matches will be posted next week on delay at YouTube.com/USAFL1997

This is the fourth time Westminster has hosted a regionals, the third time for Westerns.  There’s a lot of history here.  2017 saw Golden Gate erase a 17-point second half deficit to see off Denver’s men en route to a National Championship later that year.  Seattle announced their return to the men’s game with a D2 title.  Two years later, the Central teams came and Minnesota’s women announced their coming out with an emphatic sweep of the field.  Then 2022 which saw Denver eat into the Roos long win streak, and the Iron Maidens return to dominance.

It’s a great place to wrap up the Series.  Not only is Denver the home of a club that has won 15 National Championships in their long history, but Westminster City Park sports some of the best vistas int he Aussie Rules world.  With the mountains and the city lake as a backdrop, some of the best Aussie Rules of the season is set to take place.

Here’s a look at the draw and combos across the four divisions at play this Saturday:

MEN’S DIVISION 1

1. Austin Crows
2. Denver Bulldogs
3. Golden Gate Roos (w/ Columbus, DC Eagles & Orange County)

Austin, Denver, and Golden Gate.  Together they have appeared in all but four of the Men’s D1 Grand Finals since Nationals play began in 1997.  They have all dominated regionals, with 14 total crowns across the Central, Western, and Super Regionals combined.  It’s fitting that this year they meet in the rarified air of Denver, because all three of the clubs have been just that much above the rest of the competition in the league’s first 28 seasons.

The Crows and Bulldogs will be playing their first league games on Saturday.  Austin, winners of each of the last five D1 Nattys – four of those over Denver – have lost just three matches in the last three seasons.  All of those matches were at the hands of Denver, including Lachie Fleet’s historic goal after the siren to lock up the 2023 Super Regionals.  The Doggies will relish the opportunity to pip their rivals again, and stamp themselves once more as the ones to end the Dynasty.

Most of the Crows veteran core will be at Westminster; though Nolan Cox isn’t on the roster, the likes of Jess Aguirre, Daniel Brown, Anthony Butt, Zach McKinney and Grant Campbell are.  The weekend will also be a great chance for younger players such as Evan Janowitz, Hayes Butler, and Justin Harris to make an impact.  With the Crows most likely set to bring more than one team to Tucson as is their wont at Nationals, there will be some competition to see who makes it back on the Div 1 roster as the men in hoops go after their 10th premiership.

As for the Bulldogs, their home status means they’ll have enough for two squads; this one and a side in Div 3.  The senior side will have a number of players who have the knowledge of how to knock off the Crows.  Daniel Duffield is an award winning rover-slash-forward, Dakota Hunt is reliable and consistent, and veteran Ben Collins is as reliable as they come.  Denver lifted the Western regional cup the last time they hosted here, and they’re aiming to spoil Austin’s grits and do it again in 2025.

They haven’t been in a National D1 men’s Grand Final since 2018, but the Golden Gate Roos are the ones who are defending Western champs, and winners of seven of the last eight.  They had to hold back a burgeoning Sacramento Team in the Grand Final last season in Utah, and this year they’ll be back in the fray with help from Orange County and a couple of east coasters.  The Roos were upended by the Suns in Sacramento at the California Cup Final after taking out the Pacific Rivals trophy.

Defender Tim Lindfeldt leads things across the backline for the Roos, who have newer names like Chris Casanno, Declan McCarthy, and Luke Fravel amongst their ranks.  DC will send veteran Adam Bartkoviak and National team prospect Bernie Berges, who becomes one of the few people in USAFL history to play in three regionals tournaments.  Revo Derrick Shotwell comes across from Columbus, while the OC contingent is led by David Mendez and Taylor Marchment.  

WOMEN’S DIVISION

1. Minnesota Freeze (w/ Bayou Brawlers, North Texas & Houston)
2. Golden Gate Iron Maidens (w/ Sacramento, Seattle & St Louis)
3. Denver Bulldogs (w/ Wasatch, Portland & North Star)
4. DC Eagles (w/ Arizona, Austin & New York)

After nine months of waiting, the Minnesota Freeze finally begin their Nationals title defense.  While Lindsey and Lauren Bec have moved to Tasmania, just about every other key piece of the puzzle is beach for the Yeti.  Now led by coach and defensive keystone Paige Kicker, the Freeze attempt to defend their Western Regional and Super Regional titles and are after their eight regional title of some sort going back to 2016.  This weekend, these North Stars will be accompanied by a group of women from up and coming clubs across the south.

Along with the national team stars, veteran gridiron convert Grace Cooper (MIN) and Corey Daehling (MIN) come into the lineup to provide support in the forward line, while Amanda Dvorak (MIN) and Mariella Hoha (MIN), daughter of offensive sentinel Cathy, add quickness.  A triumvirate of players from New Orleans yields gaelic crossovers and national team targets Courtney Mayfield (BAY) and Stefanie Freilinger (BAY).  Long Island native Jackie Sparling (HOU) and utility Hailey Rattan (HOU) add defensive shielding, while Ashley Twyman (NTX)’s quartet of Devils round out the side.

It’s the first time since 2016 that the Golden Gate Iron Maidens enter the season not as the defending D1 National champions, and while “All Things Must Pass” in George Harrison fashion, two tournament wins to begin 2025 has them on the track towards possibly wrenching the title out of Minnesota’s hands.  They’ll be joined by some old friends and rivals from Sacramento and Seattle, as well as one from the midwest in search of regionals title number five

Multiple award winner Nikole Makenzie (GG) is coming off of another great season, as are the three members of the Freedom and Canadian Leo Gaillard (GG) who excelled in the TAC.  Madison Hillenbrand (GG) has emerged as a player to watch in 2025, as has Hannah Dawes (GG).  Baby Tayla Taipaleti will be cheering on mom Jenna (SAC) in her return, her booming kicks looking to spring the quicks such as Erika Titus-Lay (SAC) and Abbie Morrisey (SAC).  Seattle, third in D1 at Nationals once again last year, send a quintet led by Freedom leading goalkicker Amanda Boe (SEA), and St Louis’s Rhiannon “Rain” Dureya (STL) will try and help be a part of the Maiden’s resurgence.

Though Denver was the USAFL’s first dominant women’s club, having won six Nationals in a row, the success hasn’t been as strong at Nationals.  It’s been since 2018 when they won the Centrals in Nashville, and they won in 2017 when they played host to Westerns for the first time.  They’re in the process of rebuilding things back to their halcyon days, but will have a good strong home squad accompanied by veteran talent from D2-caliber clubs.

Lots of familiar names dot the roster, including Freedom players past and present.  Kylie Haun (DEN), Rita Hill (DEN), and Ally Dykes (DEN) have all emerged as star players, as has newer pickups like Fiona Matson (DEN) and Lia Liberatore (DEN).  The defense will be anchored by the USAFL’s verson of the Wall of the Wasatch, veteran fullback Lizzy Sawyer (WWG), alongside veteran Aussie Shay Sulisz (DEN).  Dani Bridges (PDX) has impressed in her appearances for the Sockeyes this season, and Indigo Ao (PDX), who had earned an All-Regionals nod last year, looks to add scoring punch.  Seasoned rep players Marie LaVictoire (NS) and Helen Philips (NS) are key additions, and can show up anywhere on the ground.

The record may not reflect it, but the DC Eagles improve every season.  They fought New York hard in the Northeast Regional championship match, holding the Magpies to just two goals on a wet day in Philadelphia on June 7th.  Still, they come out to Denver and will have support from a couple of the Magpies players, plus D2 National champion Austin and a combined southwest outfit playing under the Arizona Hawks colors.

Midfielder Ash Malabanan (DC) took home the MVP medallion in Philadelphia, and has emerged as a serious midfield threat.  The sister trio of Imogen, Isabel, and Amelia Gardiner (DC) played well together in the ruck contests and give the bird team (GO BIRDS) an advantage on restarts.  Courts McGorm (DC) and former AFL Canberra product Stephanie Hower (DC) add extra skill on either side of the ball, and having Drea Casillas (NY) across the backline is another huge in. Heather Serpico (AUS) and current Freedom members Lindsey Turse (AUS) and Barb Williamson (AUS) are a deadly midfield combo.  Arizona, Orange County, and San Diego are playing as one this year, and there’s Freedom experience here in spades.  Melissa Armstrong (ARZ), who started playing (2002) before Drea (2005), comes back for one more regionals.  Leilani Cordoba (ARZ), Tracey McLaine (ARZ), and Aileen Yoon (ARZ) give this side a balanced attack and a genuine chance to challenge from the 4th seed.

MEN’S DIVISION 2

1. Sacramento Suns
2. Houston Lonestars (w/ Bayou Brawlers)
3. Seattle Grizzlies

As stacked as Men’s Division 1 is, Division 2 should also have some firepower to it as well.  Sacramento and Houston, champions in Nationals Men’s D2 in 2023 and 2024, respectively, face off against the team they vanquished in each final, the Seattle Grizzlies.  All three teams have come a long way in the last 10-15 years, and all three matches should be titanic struggles.

Sacramento’s men are playing some of the best football they have in their history.  A strong showing in Nationals D1 a season ago after having taken out D2 in 2023, they took Golden Gate to the bell at last year’s Regionals and won the California Cup against them at home two weeks ago.  They play smart, tough Aussie Rules, and every contest the win is another step towards the other clubs.  They have three Western D2 titles, and go for a fourth in Westminster.

Both Julian David and Erik Anderson played incredibly memorable roles at the TAC last summer.  David as an offensive threat, and Anderson for his ability to close down on defense and kick goals when asked.  John-Thomas Lloyd and Cody McElligott are both kick and defensively apt, which will be good for Toby Simmons and Kendall Hutchings on defense.  Nico Camprigano, the literal honest to goodness Swiss Army Knife, returns to the fold and gives the Sunnies yet another weapon in their arsenal.

After treading water in Division 2 for nigh a decade, the Houston Lonestars’ come from behind victory over Seattle in last year’s Grand Final launched them to their highest ever finish at Nationals.  Now comes a test of where they truly are, after rough and tumble results in Texas and beyond to kick off 2025, they head to Colorado in search of their first ever regional triumph.

With old friend Chance Mire coming off of an all-regional caliber performance in the Southeast Regionals last month, the Lonestars bring one of their strongest lineups.  Zach Weikel and Sean Smyth are consistent performers for the ‘Stars, Canadian Steve “Stevie Johnson” Johnson is one of his team’s most athletic players.  Houston arguably plays with some of the biggest heart in the lead, and that’s shown from player-coach Dave Bryant and bearded wonder Nick Plaisance.

Seattle has a fire in their belly this year.  You don’t want to be around a pack of angry bears.  And they’ve been preparing for another try at a National title by battling their way through the BCAFL gauntlet in Canada.  The Grizz are chasing down the glory of 2017, when they were surprise winners in Division 2 on this ground, and they went on to turn back San Diego in Division 3 that October.

Reigning regional Best & Fairest “Banksy” isn’t in the lineup this weekend, but Saleh Tyebjee is, as is Austin Cox.  The latter is a part of the Seattle forest defense, with other such as Matt Leinbaugh, Matt Hocking, and Zach Johns there to turn defense into points.  Arne Landboe made the All Regionals team a season ago and is looking to do so again, and the addition of Calgary Kangaroo stalwart Craig Sargent gives the big green bears another target going forward.

MEN’S DIVISION 3

1. Arizona Hawks
2. Denver Bulldogs Reserves
3. Portland Steelheads/Wasatch WarGulls

Here we have another one-time Nationals Grand Final rematch, though this one is a bit older.  The Denver Bulldogs reserves felled the Arizona Hawks in the Men’s D3 decider in Ontario in 2022.  Both teams are quite familiar with one another, and the third part of this tri-cornered fight are a combination of teams who came together at this tournament a season ago and turned heads with their progress.

It’s a special season for the Arizona Hawks football team, moreso perhaps than any other since they were founded in 1999.  In less than three months’ time, they’ll welcome in the rest of the league to Tucson for the National Championships, the first time the big dance has been held in the Grand Canyon State.  They’re already off to a flyer with wins at home over Orange County and San Diego.  They’re here in Colorado after their first regionals crown since they combined with Portland to take out D2 in 2018.

The team is modeled after their coach, Darren Henderson; tough, smart, and clean with his skills.  Big Hendo himself will be a key man in the ‘Zona attack as he always is.  Alex Fernandez will also be key in the middle; he may be one of the fastest players in this division.  The Lutostanski family – Jacob, Joey, Rylee, and Ryan – all bring different strengths to the side.  Veteran Tim Duckworth is another steady customer for the Hawkers, and teenager Joshua Scott will try to make his mark.

Old Bulldogs don’t fade away, they go onto the reserves team and win championships.  The Bulldogs reserves have lifted Nationals cups two out of the past three years, and in the middle they teamed with Wisconsin to win the SuperRegionals D3.  Names from past D1 championship sides like Tim Wilson-Humphries, Max Eckstein, and Geoff Shakespear blend in with some of the up-and-comers who hope to be in the D1 side before long.  For this weekend at least, they’re hoping for yet another piece of hardware to adorn Denver’s already saggy trophy cabinet shelves.

Last year’s iteration of this very tournament was a historic one.  It was our first trip to Utah, and the Wasatch WarGulls, still very much finding their sea legs, played hospitable hosts.  They also teamed up with the Portland Steelheads and put together a very hearty performance for their home fans, stoking growth that will be felt for some time.  It led to a win, alongside New York’s reserves, in the first ever Division 5 Grand Final in USAFL Nationals history.

Much like the Hawks, Aussie Rules is a family affair with the WarGulls.  Luke Cruwys and his three sons, Isaac, Noah, and Tristan, are amongst the core of the side, with Tristan getting an All-Regionals nod last season. Ben and Jed Masson are another father-son combo, and exciting newcomers include Whit Hyde and Shep Moore-Berg.  The Steelheads, fronted as always by leader Martin Coventry, look for another regional title with a good mix of newcomers and vets.  Max Ducey was one of Portland’s best players in SLC last year, and former Austin Crow Joss Scholten has been a big catch for the Fish.