Axemen fan discussion

[usarlfan69]

Looks like it's going to be a rough year for the boys. I think the Axemen players may just have become too complacent and this season might have to be a kick in the nuts that reminds them that nothing comes easy. It sucks because they have more opportunity than ever with the high quality coaching they're receiving. I'm hoping they'll snap out of their coma, but it may be too late, as the offseason is when a majority of the hard work should be done. We will see. wake up boys!!

 

[Evil Homer]

Have the Axemen lost players this year? It seems strange to see such a dominant side struggling.

Your signature is 100% accurate BTW, that literally is what RL is.

 

[Rugger]

Personally I like that they are "down" currently. Tired of seeing the same teams/names at the top of the table. The same team(s) winning every year is not good for the development of any sport. That is exactly why in professional sports the drafts are setup the way they are along with free agency. Obviously not an option at the amateur level, but balance and competition is good.

 

[Rugbyflorida]

Don't quote me but I believe they have lost:
Matt Keeley
Josh Cocko
Taylor Alley
Apple Pope
All of which probably USA rep worthy, not to mention one time captain. And obviously 2 wont meet criteria but you get the picture.

In 2 years time:
Craig Howitt
Bart Longchamp
Kenny Britt
Josh Jackson
Beetle or Beedle?
Karl Buck

Could be more or less and I am not completely positive of all of this.

 

[usarlfan69]

Don't quote me but I believe they have lost:
Matt Keeley
Josh Cocko
Taylor Alley
Apple Pope
All of which probably USA rep worthy, not to mention one time captain. And obviously 2 wont meet criteria but you get the picture.

In 2 years time:
Craig Howitt
Bart Longchamp
Kenny Britt
Josh Jackson
Beetle or Beedle?
Karl Buck

Could be more or less and I am not completely positive of all of this.

The Axemen were benefiting on their southeastern monolopy over the last decade, so now that the region is more saturated they really need to focus on developing their athletes in the off season. And as most of us know most of the league players sadly consider gaining 20 lbs of fat as they roll around a union pitch the rest of the year adequate off season training.

 

[spinnerhowland]

Teams have years where they lose a number of players and it an opportunity for new blood to make some noise. The current Axemen roster has 10 total players who have played Rugby League Prior to this season.
These are the players lost since last year
Apple Pope - out for the year with injury - surgery possible
Matt Keeley - home to OZ
Josh c**k - home to oz
Joe Bobbie - home to oz
Jaime Uyttewall - retired
Randy Dewey - retired
Matt Thornton - retired
Karl Buck - moved to Central Fl now with Warriors
Joe Eichner - Out with ACL after college 7's tournament on May 30
Mike Scott - Shoulder surgery from an injury while in Australia. He may be back as early as this weekend

The Warriors now have more Axemen players since 2013 than the Axemen do:
Kenny Britt / Craig Howitt / Bart Longchamp / Taylor Alley / Josh Moore / Karl Buck / Josh Jackson / Gaz Walker / Anthony Muniz / Jay Mombu - plus a few from the Gearheads and Adrenaline teams who never got to suit up for the Axemen.


And yes, the player pool that was available to the Axemen prior to 2014 is now divided up across the 3 Florida teams, and this was the goal when we created the expansion. It is exciting to see the other 3 teams make such progress in a short time.

Overall the expansion into the 3 other markets in the South is making steady progress, and we hope the teams remain competitive moving forward from here. This weekend will bring two great game. Warriors in Atlanta to decide who is going to be atop the South ladder. AND more importantly can the Mayhem end the REGULAR SEASON HOME WIN STREAK that has existed for the Axemen since 2008. The Axemen fans have not seen team lose a regular season home game at UNF since the 2008 season. There is ample incentive for both teams to win this one.

 

[spinnerhowland]

Looks like it's going to be a rough year for the boys. I think the Axemen players may just have become too complacent and this season might have to be a kick in the nuts that reminds them that nothing comes easy. It sucks because they have more opportunity than ever with the high quality coaching they're receiving. I'm hoping they'll snap out of their coma, but it may be too late, as the offseason is when a majority of the hard work should be done. We will see. wake up boys!!

YES the coaching is the highest level it has been.
YES there are a few light bulbs that are yet to turn on
YES not every player showed up at the expected level of readiness, and they are paying the price for that.

The winning culture is great........until you don't, and then have to figure out how to turn it around on the field by personal effort and commitment to each other as a team.

There are no excuses, only effort to be made to prepare, and to display the desire to win.

 

[amnrlfan]

It is still early in the season but it is good for the comp and Southeastern Rugby League to see other teams beat a team such as the Axemen or Fight or Thirteens.