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{{Short description|Australian rules football and netball club based in London, England}}
{{Prose|date=October 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2018}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2018}}
{{Infobox australian football club
{{Infobox australian football club
| clubname = West London Wildcats
| clubname = West London Wildcats Australian Rules Football & Netball Club
| image = [[File:West London Wildcats Logo.gif]]
| image = Wildcats 30 years logo final.jpg
| fullname = West London Wildcats
| fullname = West London Wildcats Australian Rules Football & Netball Club
| nicknames = Wildcats, Cats
| nicknames = Wildcats, Cats, Catters
| season = 2015
| season = 2024
| home&away = 2nd
| home&away = '''Mens:''' 2nd <br />'''Womens:''' 1st
| topgoalkicker = '''Mens:''' Sean Bradley <br />'''Womens:''' [[Shannon May]]
| end of season = Runner Up
| bestandfairest = '''Mens:''' TBA <br />'''Womens:''' TBA
| topgoalkicker = TBC
| bestandfairest = TBC
| founded = 1990
| founded = 1990
| colours = {{color box|Navy}} Navy and {{color box|White}} White
| colours = {{color box|Navy}} Navy and {{color box|White}} White
| league = AFL London Premiership
| league = AFL London Premiership
| president = Ben O'Brien & Craig Simpson
| president = Jonathan Carter
| coach = Keith Della Vedova & Nathan Costley
| coach = '''Mens:''' Paul Blight & Tyson Gray <br />'''Womens:''' Travis Thornley
| captain = '''Mens:''' Chris McDougall & Jacob Robinson <br />'''Womens:''' Dee Kelly & [[Shannon May]]
| captain = TBC
| premierships = 10 (2000, 2004-2009, 2011, 2013-2014)
| premierships = 42
; [[AFL Europe]]
| ground = Dukes Meadow, Dan Mason Dr, London, W4 2SH
; Champions League
* 4 (2015–2018)
; [[AFL London]]
; Men's Premiership
* 13 (2000, 2004–09, 2011,2013–14, 2016, 2019, 2022)
; Men's Conference
* 17 (2001–08, 2010–2015, 2017–2019)
; Women's Premiership
* 3 (2022, 2023, 2024)
; Women's Conference
* 1 (2017)
; Men's Social
* 4 (2008, 2010, 2014, 2021)

| ground = [[Chiswick Rugby Club]], Dukes Meadow, London, W4 2SH
| ground2 =
| ground2 =
| ground3 =
| ground3 =
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| capacity2 =
| capacity2 =
| capacity3 =
| capacity3 =
| url = [http://www.wildcatsfc.co.uk]
| url = [http://www.westlondonwildcats.com]
| jumper =
| jumper =
| current =
| current =
|afterfinals='''Mens:''' 2nd <br />'''Womens:''' Premiers|clubsong="Oh we're from Wildcat Land..."}}
}}


The '''West London Wildcats''' are an [[Australian rules football]] and [[netball]] club based in [[London]], [[England]]. The club fields teams in each of the three AFL London divisions - Premiership, Conference and Social. The reserves team is known as the [[Shepherds Bush Raiders]] and wear a green and gold guernsey while the Social team is known as the Ealing Emus and wear a black, red and yellow guernsey. The Wildcats are often regarded as the biggest and most successful Australian rule football club outside of [[Australia]].
The '''West London Wildcats''' is an [[Australian rules football]] and [[netball]] club based in [[London]], [[England]]. The club fields teams in each of the three men's [[AFL London]] divisions – Premiership, Conference and Social and each of the two women's divisions - Premiership and Conference. The men's reserves team is known as the [[Shepherds Bush Raiders]] and wear a green and gold guernsey while the Social team is known as the Ealing Emus and wear a black, red and yellow guernsey. The Wildcats are regarded as the most successful Australian rule football club in Europe and outside of [[Australia]] tallying 42 premierships in its club's history.
<!-- Unsourced image removed: [[Image:west london wildcats logo.gif|thumb]] -->
<!-- Unsourced image removed: [[Image:west london wildcats logo.gif|thumb]] -->


==History==
==History==
The West London Wildcats were formed in 1990 as a foundation club of the [[British Australian Rules Football League]], now known as the AFL London division of [[AFL Britain]]. They have played in a number of BARFL grand finals, finally winning their first premiership in 2000 against arch-rivals, the Wandsworth Demons, the team captained at the time by club stalwart, Chris Schleter. They have since followed this up with premierships in 2004, 2005 and 2006 all against BARFL heavy-weights the Wimbledon Hawks. 2004 saw fullback Rowan Bilkey captain the club. Chris Schleter again captained the premiers in 2005 while in 2006 Ruckman and Barclay Dixon lead his team to the BARFL premiership. The Wildcats stand as the only team to win the BARFL Premiership on three consecutive occasions. In 2004 the team achieved another first in BARFL history by claiming the BARFL 'Grand Slam', winning the Anzac Cup preseason tournament, the Brit Cup and both the Conference and Premier Division Premierships, a feat they repeated in season 2006.
The West London Wildcats were formed in 1990 as a foundation club of the [[British Australian Rules Football League]], now known as the AFL London division of [[AFL Britain]]. They have played in a number of BARFL grand finals, finally winning their first premiership in 2000 against arch-rivals, the Wandsworth Demons, the team captained at the time by club stalwart, Chris Schleter. They have since followed this up with premierships in 2004, 2005 and 2006 all against BARFL heavy-weights the Wimbledon Hawks. 2004 saw fullback Rowan Bilkey captain the club. Chris Schleter again captained the premiers in 2005 while in 2006 Ruckman and Barclay Dixon lead his team to the BARFL premiership. The Wildcats stand as the only team to win the BARFL Premiership on three consecutive occasions. In 2004 the team achieved another first in BARFL history by claiming the BARFL 'Grand Slam', winning the Anzac Cup preseason tournament, the Brit Cup and both the Conference and Premier Division Premierships, a feat they repeated in season 2006.

The Wildcats also field a second team, the [[Shepherds Bush Raiders]], in the AFL London Conference competition, and a third side, the Ealing Emus in the AFL London Social division. The Shepherds Bush Raiders have won all but 4 of the 22 Conference premierships since the competition's inception in 2001.

The West London Wildcats celebrated 25 years of existence in 2014. Capping off a fine year by winning the premiership in all 3 grades and securing a berth in the inaugural Champions League tournament held In Amsterdam. They went on to win this title in 2015 and have followed up with victories in 2016, 2017 & 2018. The Wildcats also competed in the Champions League in 2019, and were due to compete in the COVID cancelled 2020 edition. For the first time in Wildcats history, both Men's and Women's teams will compete in the 2023 tournament as champions of London.


In season 2017, the Wildcats had their inaugural women's AFL team playing in the AFL London Conference Women's division, winning the premiership against the Wandsworth Demons. Due to an influx of interest from women wanting to play the great game, in 2018, the club expanded its women's team to two teams and now competes in the Premier and Conference division.
The Wildcats also field a second team, the [[Shepherds Bush Raiders]], in the AFL London Conference competition, and a third side, the Ealing Emus in the AFL London Social division. The Shepherds Bush Raiders have won all but one of the 10 Conference premierships since the competition's inception in 2001. The Raiders are the reigning Premiers and Champions of the Conference division, and were coached by Craig Marshall. The Emu's are the reigning premiers of the Social Division.


In 2022, the Wildcats Women won the club's first premiership division premiership, bouncing back from defeat in the 2021 Grand Final. The Wildcats Women Premiership division team has now won 3 consecutive premierships from 2022 to 2024.
The West London Wildcats celebrated 25 years of existence in 2014. Capping off a fine year by winning the premiership in all 3 grades.


In addition to [[Australian Rules Football]], the Wildkittens netball sides play in a number of competitions across London.
In addition to [[Australian Rules Football]], the Wildcats netball sides play in a number of competitions across London.


Former [[Brisbane]] Bears player Rudi Frigo, recruited to the club by Justin "Dogga" Shannon, is probably the Wildcats best known player.
Former [[Brisbane]] Bears player Rudi Frigo, recruited to the club by Justin "Dogga" Shannon, is probably the Wildcats best known player.
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{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Year !! Position !! President !! Coach !! Captain !! Treasurer
! Year !! Position !! President !! Coach !! Captain !! Treasurer
|-
|-
| 1990 || 3rd || Greg Sporton || Dave Steadman || Peter Murphy & Dave McGain || Ian Mead
| 1990 || 3rd || Greg Sporton || Dave Steadman || Peter Murphy & Dave McGain || Ian Mead
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|Ben O'Brien & Craig Simpson
|Ben O'Brien & Craig Simpson
|Nathan Costley & Keith Della-Vedova
|Nathan Costley & Keith Della-Vedova
|Brad Wedgwood
|TBC
|Ciaran Merrigan
|Ciaran Merrigan
|-
|-
|2016
|1st
|Ben O'Brien & Craig Simpson
|Nathan Costley & Keith Della-Vedova
|Jared Risol
|Scott Downsborough
|-
|2017
|3rd
|Chad Sellenger & Craig Simpson
|Keith Della-Vedova & Jared Risol
|Andy Challis
|Scott Downsborough
|-
|2018
|2nd
|Chad Sellenger
|Keith Della-Vedova
|Tyson Mihocek
|Daniel French
|-
|2019
|1st
|Daniel Clifford
|Andrew Walsgott & James Darke
|David Allitt & David Rattenbury
|Daniel French
|-
|2020
|No Season - COVID
|David Furletti & Daniel Clifford
|N/A
|N/A
|Daniel French & Jonathan Carter
|-
|2021
|2nd
|David Furletti
|Paul Blight
|Grant King
|Jonathan Carter
|-
|2022
|1st
|Jonathan Carter
|Paul Blight & Tyson Gray
|Max Burmester
|Michael Globan
|-
|2023
|2nd
|Jonathan Carter
|Paul Blight & Tyson Gray
|Josh Marriot & Pete Jones
|Michael Globan
|-
|2024
|2nd
|Jonathan Carter
|Paul Blight & Tyson Gray
|Josh Marriot & Pete Jones
|Ryan Goldspring
|}
|}

==Champions League==
'''2018 Grand Final'''
'''West London Wildcats''' 5.4.34 defeated Amsterdam Devils 2.2.14

'''2017 Grand Final'''
'''West London Wildcats''' 5.7.37 defeated Amsterdam Devils 2.2.14

'''2016 Grand Final'''
'''West London Wildcats''' 5.13.43 defeated Manchester Mosquitos 2.1.13

'''2015 Grand Final'''
'''West London Wildcats''' 8.6.54 defeated Rhineland Lions 1.1.7


==Finals==
==Finals==
'''2015 Grand Final Premiership Division
'''2018 Grand Final Premiership Division'''
'''West London Wildcats''' 9.6.60 defeated by Wandsworth Demons 8.13.61
West London Wildcats 8.8 (56) Defeated by [[North London Lions]] 8.9 (57)<ref>{{Cite web|title = Triumph for Lions in one-point AFL London Grand Final thriller|url = http://www.australiantimes.co.uk/triumph-for-lions-in-one-point-afl-london-grand-final-thriller/|website = Australian Times|accessdate = 2016-01-10|language = en-US}}</ref>

Goals: TBC

Best: Cam Linford, Hugh Sandilands, David Rattenbury, Simon Thomas, Rhett Kerr, Robbie Gore

'''2018 Grand Final Conference Division'''
'''Shepherds Bush Raiders''' 7.9.51 defeated Wandsworth Demons 4.5.29

Goals: TBC

Best: Scott Michell, Matthew Ness, Nathan Costley, Kade Rowbotheram, Tom Donnelly, Josh Morrison, Taylor Mckenzie

AFL London GF Best on Ground Award: Nathan Costley

'''2017 Grand Final Conference Division'''
'''Shepherds Bush Raiders''' 7.8.50 defeated Wandsworth Demons 3.5.23

'''2017 Grand Final Women's conference Division'''
'''West London Wildcats''' 4.8.32 defeated Wandsworth Demons 0.1.1

'''2016 Grand Final Premiership Division'''
'''West London Wildcats''' 14.10.94 Defeated Wandsworth Demons 7.1.43

'''2015 Grand Final Premiership Division'''
'''West London Wildcats''' 8.8 (56) Defeated by [[North London Lions]] 8.9 (57)<ref>{{Cite web|title = Triumph for Lions in one-point AFL London Grand Final thriller|url = http://www.australiantimes.co.uk/triumph-for-lions-in-one-point-afl-london-grand-final-thriller/|website = Australian Times| date=7 August 2012 |accessdate = 2016-01-10|language = en-US}}</ref>


Goals: TBC
Goals: TBC


Best: TBC
Best: TBC


'''2014 Grand Final Premiership Division'''
'''2014 Grand Final Premiership Division'''
'''West London Wildcats''' 14.13 (97) Defeated [[Wandsworth Demons]] 8.10 (58)
'''West London Wildcats''' 14.13 (97) Defeated [[Wandsworth Demons]] 8.10 (58)


Goals: David Abernethy 5, Matt Abraham 2, Todd Pfeiffer 2, Brad Collins, Keith Della-Vedova, James Ford, Clint Johnson, Brad Wedgwood
Goals: David Abernethy 5, Matt Abraham 2, Todd Pfeiffer 2, Brad Collins, Keith Della-Vedova, James Ford, Clint Johnson, Brad Wedgwood
Line 125: Line 247:
'''Shepherds Bush Raiders''' 14.9 (93) Defeated [[Clapham Demons]] 2.4 (16)
'''Shepherds Bush Raiders''' 14.9 (93) Defeated [[Clapham Demons]] 2.4 (16)


Goals: David Emerson 4, Kevin Upton 3, Evan Scicluna 3, Nathan Costley 2, Tom Gillard, Nick Graham-Bowman
Goals: David Emerson 4, Kevin Upton 3, Evan Scicluna 2, Nathan Costley 2, Tom Gillard, Nick Graham-Bowman, Dave Little


Best: Ben McCrorey, Nathan Costley, Dan Jeffreys, Adrian Brown, Evan Scicluna
Best: Ben McCrorey, David Emerson, Nathan Costley, Dan Jeffreys, Adrian Brown, Evan Scicluna


AFL London GF Best on Ground Award: Nathan Costley
AFL London GF Best on Ground Award: Nathan Costley
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'''2013 Grand Final Premiership Division'''
'''2013 Grand Final Premiership Division'''
'''West London Wildcats''' 10.10 (70) Defeated [[North London Lions]] 9.6 (60)
'''West London Wildcats''' 10.10 (70) Defeated [[North London Lions]] 9.6 (60)


'''2013 Grand Final Conference Division'''
'''2013 Grand Final Conference Division'''
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'''2010 Grand Social Premiership Division'''
'''2010 Grand Social Premiership Division'''
'''Ealing Emus''' 7.1 (43) def [[South London Demons]] 2.5 (17)
'''Ealing Emus''' 7.1 (43) def South London Demons 2.5 (17)


'''2009 Grand Final Premiership Division'''
'''2009 Grand Final Premiership Division'''
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Best:
Best:
Justin 'Maca' McCallion, Ross 'Rosco' Dillon, Leigh 'Burki' Burke, Warrick 'Bloodnut' Fenner, Damien 'Sticky' Lyon, Eoin O'Connor, Xavier 'XMan' McKinnon, Barry 'Baz' Malone
Justin 'Maca' McCallion, Ross 'Rosco' Dillon, Leigh 'Burki' Burke, Warrick 'Bloodnut' Fenner, Damien 'Sticky' Lyon, Eoin O'Connor, Xavier 'XMan' McKinnon, Barry 'Baz' Malone


Goals: Leigh Burke, Eoin O'Connor 3, Justin McCallion 2, Sam Miles 1 (others TBC)
Goals: Leigh Burke, Eoin O'Connor 3, Justin McCallion 2, Sam Miles 1 (others TBC)


[[Norm Smith Medal]]: Justin 'Maca' McCallion
[[Norm Smith Medal]]: Justin 'Maca' McCallion
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'''2008 Grand Final Social Division'''
'''2008 Grand Final Social Division'''
'''Ealing Emus''' 18.17 (125) defeated [[Nottingham Scorpions]] 1.5 (11)
'''Ealing Emus''' 18.17 (125) defeated Nottingham Scorpions 1.5 (11)


Best:
Best:
Al Carlson, Lucas 'Doof' Cullen, Darryl 'Daz' Disisto, Pete Kasby, Matt Neville, Ryan 'Rhino' Lapish, John Houston, Simon 'Simmo' Berry
Al Carlson, Lucas 'Doof' Cullen, Darryl 'Daz' Dissisto, Pete Kasby, Matt Neville, Ryan 'Rhino' Lapish, John Houston, Simon 'Simmo' Berry


Goals:
Goals:
Al Carlson 4, Wes White 3, Casey Ratcliffe, Ryan 'Rhino' Lapish 2, Darryl 'Daz' Disisto, Lucas 'Doof' Cullen, Jeremy 'Jez' Lanberg, Paul 'Cutts' Cutler 1 (others TBC)
Al Carlson 4, Wes White 3, Casey Ratcliffe, Ryan 'Rhino' Lapish 2, Darryl 'Daz' Dissisto, Lucas 'Doof' Cullen, Jeremy 'Jez' Lanberg, Paul 'Cutts' Cutler 1 (others TBC)


Norm Smith Medal: Doof
Norm Smith Medal: Doof
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The Wildcats have played a number of pre-season tour matches across Europe.
The Wildcats have played a number of pre-season tour matches across Europe.


*2024 AFL Europe Champions League - Womens (5th)
*2011 West London d [[Copenhagen Barracudas]]
*2023 AFL Europe Champions League - Mens (2nd) and Womens (4th)
*2022 Dragon Cup Winners - Men's and Women's Divisions
*2022 Gallia Cup Runner's Up
*2022 Leprechaun Cup Runner's Up
*2015 - 2018 AFL Europe Champions League Premiers
*2011 West London d Copenhagen Barracudas
*2010 West London d [[Paris Cockerels]]
*2010 West London d [[Paris Cockerels]]
*5 April 2008 West London 60 d [[Copenhagen Barracudas]] 25
*5 April 2008 West London 60 d Copenhagen Barracudas 25
*April 2007 West London vs Croatia
*April 2007 West London vs Croatia
*7 April 2006 West London vs [[Barcelona Stars]]
*7 April 2006 West London vs Barcelona Stars
*9 April 2005 West London 163 d [[Stockholm Dynamite]] 51
*9 April 2005 West London 163 d [[Stockholm Dynamite]] 51


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{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Year !! West London Wildcats !! Shepards Bush Raiders !! Ealing Emus
! Year !! West London Wildcats !! Shepards Bush Raiders !! Ealing Emus !! Womens Prem !! Womens Conf
|-
|2024
|TBA
|TBA
|TBA
|TBA
|TBA
|-
|2023
|Tom Forster
|Louis Miller
|Grant King
|Shannon May
|Erin Bunn
|-
|2022
|Chris McDougall
|Drew Parker
|Benny Sykes
|Dee Kelly
|Annabelle Frank
|-
|2021
|Patrick Robinson
|Drew Parker
|Stuie Ward
|Shannon May
|Annabelle Frank
|-
|2020
| No Competition - COVID
|-
|2019
|Cameron O'Leary
|Paul Blight
|Andrew Guthrie
|Ali Sonnefeld
|
|-
|2018
|Cam Linford & James Darke
|Taylor McKenzie
|James Wilson
|Tanaya Redman
|Casey Hutcheson
|-
|2017
|Evan Johnson
|Matthew Abraham
|Matt Pike
| N/A
| Jessie Humble
|-
|2016
|Andy Challis
|Luke Moore
|Carson Macartney
|-
|-
|2015
|2015
|Lloyd Williams
|TBC
|Ben McCrorey
|TBC
|Rhys Synoot
|TBC
|-
|-
| 2014 || Todd Pfeiffer & Brad Wedgwood || Nick Graham-Bowman || Froggy Triplett
| 2014 || Todd Pfeiffer & Brad Wedgwood || Nick Graham-Bowman || Froggy Triplett
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|-
|-
| 2008 || Matt Chilton || Jono Watson || David Harrington
| 2008 || Matt Chilton || Jono Watson || David Harrington
|}1997 Matt Lloyd
|}

==End of Season Footy Trips==
2015 [[Corfu]]
2014 [[Corfu]]
2013 [[Corfu]]
2012 [[Corfu]]
2011 [[Corfu]]
2010 [[Corfu]]
2009 [[Lagos, Portugal]]
2008 [[Corfu]]
2007 [[Corfu]]
2006 [[Corfu]]

==Downlow Winners==


==End of Season Football Trips==
{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
|-
|-
! Year !! Destination !! Year !! Destination !! Year !! Destination !! Year !! Destination
! Year !! Venue !! Title Winner
|-
| 1990 || Amsterdam || No award
|-
|-
| 1990|| [[Amsterdam]] || 2000|| [[Corfu]] || 2010|| [[Corfu]] || 2020|| COVID ||
| 1991 || Corfu (Greece) || No award
|-
|-
| 1991|| [[Corfu]] || 2001|| [[Corfu]] || 2011|| [[Corfu]] || 2021|| Mykonos & Ios ||
| 1992 || Falarki, Rhodes || No award
|-
|-
| 1992|| [[Faliraki]] || 2002|| [[Corfu]] || 2012|| [[Corfu]] || 2022|| [[Ios]]
| 1993 || Dublin || No award
|-
|-
| 1994 || Corfu || No award
| 1993|| [[Corfu]] || 2003|| [[Corfu]] || 2013|| [[Corfu]]
|| 2023|| [[Ios]]
|-
|-
| 1995 || Corfu || Rob 'Bubba' Colcroft
| 1994|| [[Dubin]] || 2004|| [[Corfu]] || 2014 || [[Corfu]]
|| 2024|| [[Lagos, Portugal]] & San Sebastian
|-
|-
| 1995|| [[Corfu]] || 2005|| [[Corfu]] || 2015|| [[Corfu]]
| 1996 || Leamington Spa (Canal trip) || No award
|-
|-
| 1996|| [[Black Country|Black Country, UK]] || 2006|| [[Corfu]] || 2016|| [[Corfu]]
| 1997 || Liverpool || No award
|-
|-
| 1998 || Corfu || Matt 'Mighty Mattress' Glynn
| 1997|| [[Corfu]] || 2007|| [[Corfu]] || 2017|| [[Corfu]]
|-
|-
| 1998|| [[Corfu]] || 2008|| [[Corfu]] || 2018|| [[ios]]
| 1999 || Bodrum (Turkey) || Matt 'Mighty Mattress' Glynn & Chris 'Slates' Schleter
|-
| 2000 || Corfu || Hayden Bennett
|-
| 2001 || Corfu || Jason 'Smurf' Dwyer
|-
| 2002 || Benidorm || Evan 'Unit' Beachley
|-
| 2003 || Ios || Chris 'Slates' Schleter
|-
| 2004 || Corfu || Paul 'Cut Snake' Lewis
|-
| 2005 || Corfu || Chris 'Slates' Schleter
|-
| 2006 || Corfu || Paul 'Chopper' Donahoo
|-
| 2007 || Corfu || Matt 'Mighty Mattress' Glynn
|-
| 2008 || Corfu || Mick 'Uncle' Bulzomi
|-
| 2009 || Lagos || Mick 'Uncle' Bulzomi
|-
| 2010 || Corfu || Troy 'Catingham' Cunningham
|-
| 2011 || Corfu || Jack Russell
|-
|-
| 1999|| [[Corfu]] || 2009|| [[Lagos, Portugal|Lagos]] || 2019|| Mykonos & Ios
|}
|}


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==See also==
==See also==
{{Portal|Australian rules football}}
{{Portal|Sports|Australia}}


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
*[http://www.wildcatsfc.co.uk West London Wildcats UK]
*[http://www.westlondonwildcats.com West London Wildcats]
*[http://twitter.com/#!/WLWildcatsFC West London Wildcats Twitter Page]
*[https://twitter.com/WLWildcatsFC West London Wildcats Twitter Page]
*[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thWqNof5nXA SOS's 3 Quarter Grand Final Speech 2003 NSFW - Warning]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thWqNof5nXA SOS's 3 Quarter Grand Final Speech 2003 NSFW – Warning]

{{Australian rules football in England}}


[[Category:Australian rules football teams in London]]
[[Category:Australian rules football clubs in London]]
[[Category:Netball teams in England]]
[[Category:Netball teams in England]]
[[Category:1990 establishments in England]]
[[Category:1990 establishments in England]]
[[Category:Sports clubs established in 1990]]
[[Category:Sports clubs and teams established in 1990]]
[[Category:Australian rules football clubs established in 1990]]
[[Category:Women's sports clubs and teams in London]]

Latest revision as of 21:15, 18 September 2024

West London Wildcats Australian Rules Football & Netball Club
Names
Full nameWest London Wildcats Australian Rules Football & Netball Club
Nickname(s)Wildcats, Cats, Catters
Club song"Oh we're from Wildcat Land..."
2024 season
After finalsMens: 2nd
Womens: Premiers
Home-and-away seasonMens: 2nd
Womens: 1st
Leading goalkickerMens: Sean Bradley
Womens: Shannon May
Best and fairestMens: TBA
Womens: TBA
Club details
Founded1990
Colours  Navy and   White
CompetitionAFL London Premiership
PresidentJonathan Carter
CoachMens: Paul Blight & Tyson Gray
Womens: Travis Thornley
Captain(s)Mens: Chris McDougall & Jacob Robinson
Womens: Dee Kelly & Shannon May
Premierships42
AFL Europe
Champions League
  • 4 (2015–2018)
AFL London
Men's Premiership
  • 13 (2000, 2004–09, 2011,2013–14, 2016, 2019, 2022)
Men's Conference
  • 17 (2001–08, 2010–2015, 2017–2019)
Women's Premiership
  • 3 (2022, 2023, 2024)
Women's Conference
  • 1 (2017)
Men's Social
  • 4 (2008, 2010, 2014, 2021)
Ground(s)Chiswick Rugby Club, Dukes Meadow, London, W4 2SH
Other information
Official website[1]

The West London Wildcats is an Australian rules football and netball club based in London, England. The club fields teams in each of the three men's AFL London divisions – Premiership, Conference and Social and each of the two women's divisions - Premiership and Conference. The men's reserves team is known as the Shepherds Bush Raiders and wear a green and gold guernsey while the Social team is known as the Ealing Emus and wear a black, red and yellow guernsey. The Wildcats are regarded as the most successful Australian rule football club in Europe and outside of Australia tallying 42 premierships in its club's history.

History

[edit]

The West London Wildcats were formed in 1990 as a foundation club of the British Australian Rules Football League, now known as the AFL London division of AFL Britain. They have played in a number of BARFL grand finals, finally winning their first premiership in 2000 against arch-rivals, the Wandsworth Demons, the team captained at the time by club stalwart, Chris Schleter. They have since followed this up with premierships in 2004, 2005 and 2006 all against BARFL heavy-weights the Wimbledon Hawks. 2004 saw fullback Rowan Bilkey captain the club. Chris Schleter again captained the premiers in 2005 while in 2006 Ruckman and Barclay Dixon lead his team to the BARFL premiership. The Wildcats stand as the only team to win the BARFL Premiership on three consecutive occasions. In 2004 the team achieved another first in BARFL history by claiming the BARFL 'Grand Slam', winning the Anzac Cup preseason tournament, the Brit Cup and both the Conference and Premier Division Premierships, a feat they repeated in season 2006.

The Wildcats also field a second team, the Shepherds Bush Raiders, in the AFL London Conference competition, and a third side, the Ealing Emus in the AFL London Social division. The Shepherds Bush Raiders have won all but 4 of the 22 Conference premierships since the competition's inception in 2001.

The West London Wildcats celebrated 25 years of existence in 2014. Capping off a fine year by winning the premiership in all 3 grades and securing a berth in the inaugural Champions League tournament held In Amsterdam. They went on to win this title in 2015 and have followed up with victories in 2016, 2017 & 2018. The Wildcats also competed in the Champions League in 2019, and were due to compete in the COVID cancelled 2020 edition. For the first time in Wildcats history, both Men's and Women's teams will compete in the 2023 tournament as champions of London.

In season 2017, the Wildcats had their inaugural women's AFL team playing in the AFL London Conference Women's division, winning the premiership against the Wandsworth Demons. Due to an influx of interest from women wanting to play the great game, in 2018, the club expanded its women's team to two teams and now competes in the Premier and Conference division.

In 2022, the Wildcats Women won the club's first premiership division premiership, bouncing back from defeat in the 2021 Grand Final. The Wildcats Women Premiership division team has now won 3 consecutive premierships from 2022 to 2024.

In addition to Australian Rules Football, the Wildcats netball sides play in a number of competitions across London.

Former Brisbane Bears player Rudi Frigo, recruited to the club by Justin "Dogga" Shannon, is probably the Wildcats best known player.

Honour Board

[edit]
Year Position President Coach Captain Treasurer
1990 3rd Greg Sporton Dave Steadman Peter Murphy & Dave McGain Ian Mead
1991 4th Michael Lopes Dave McGregor Ian Rakich David Meaney
1992 2nd Michael Lopes & Barny Ayris Mark Reid Michael Lopes Barny Ayris & Ewen Hill
1993 5th Ross Gregory Mark Reid Daryn Jamieson Ewen Hill
1994 2nd Ross Gregory Mark Reid Greg Wylie Ewen Hill
1995 2nd Ewen Hill Graeme Watson Greg Weston-Arnold Ross Gregory
1996 2nd Ewen Hill Paul Smith Paul Geddis Tomas O'Mongain
1997 3rd Ewen Hill Darren Isaacs Paul Geddis Ross gregory
1998 5th Darren Isaacs David McAdam Denis Radetic & Derek Shaw Derek Shaw
1999 2nd Neil Talbot Russell Warburton Shane McDonald Derek Shaw
2000 1st Neil Talbot Michael Billing Chris Schleter Derek Shaw
2001 3rd Paul Toll Michael Billing Chris Schleter Derek Shaw
2002 2nd Justin Shannon Lachy Boyd & Cameron Aubrey Greg Atkinson Derek Shaw
2003 2nd Justin Shannon Ross Giardina & Chris Schleter Chris Schleter Derek Shaw
2004 1st Jonathon Grapsas Ross Giardina & Chris Schleter Rowan Bilkey Derek Shaw
2005 1st Matt Glynn Ross Giardina Chris Schleter Matt Boyd & Derek Shaw
2006 1st Matt Glynn Damien Stewart & Ryan Butler Barclay Dixon Donna Glynn & Derek Shaw
2007 1st Matt Glynn Ross Giardina & Chris Schleter Sam Heffernan & Damien Stewart Donna Glynn & Derek Shaw
2008 1st Matt Glynn Xavier McKinnon Matt Chilton Donna Glynn
2009 1st Pete Romanis Justin Main Dan Nankivell Anna Rushall
2010 3rd Ben Bond and Troy Cunningham Dan Nankivell Nathan Costley Troy Cunningham
2011 1st Ben Bond Nathan Costley & Dan Prigmore Steven Puhar Matt Ryan
2012 4th Luke Fenney Nathan Costley & Dan Prigmore Adam Broadbent Ciaran Merrigan
2013 1st Luke Fenney Nathan Costley & Dan Prigmore Brad Wedgwood Ciaran Merrigan
2014 1st Ben O'Brien & Craig Simpson Nathan Costley & Dan Prigmore Matty Shannon Ciaran Merrigan
2015 2nd Ben O'Brien & Craig Simpson Nathan Costley & Keith Della-Vedova Brad Wedgwood Ciaran Merrigan
2016 1st Ben O'Brien & Craig Simpson Nathan Costley & Keith Della-Vedova Jared Risol Scott Downsborough
2017 3rd Chad Sellenger & Craig Simpson Keith Della-Vedova & Jared Risol Andy Challis Scott Downsborough
2018 2nd Chad Sellenger Keith Della-Vedova Tyson Mihocek Daniel French
2019 1st Daniel Clifford Andrew Walsgott & James Darke David Allitt & David Rattenbury Daniel French
2020 No Season - COVID David Furletti & Daniel Clifford N/A N/A Daniel French & Jonathan Carter
2021 2nd David Furletti Paul Blight Grant King Jonathan Carter
2022 1st Jonathan Carter Paul Blight & Tyson Gray Max Burmester Michael Globan
2023 2nd Jonathan Carter Paul Blight & Tyson Gray Josh Marriot & Pete Jones Michael Globan
2024 2nd Jonathan Carter Paul Blight & Tyson Gray Josh Marriot & Pete Jones Ryan Goldspring

Champions League

[edit]

2018 Grand Final West London Wildcats 5.4.34 defeated Amsterdam Devils 2.2.14

2017 Grand Final West London Wildcats 5.7.37 defeated Amsterdam Devils 2.2.14

2016 Grand Final West London Wildcats 5.13.43 defeated Manchester Mosquitos 2.1.13

2015 Grand Final West London Wildcats 8.6.54 defeated Rhineland Lions 1.1.7

Finals

[edit]

2018 Grand Final Premiership Division West London Wildcats 9.6.60 defeated by Wandsworth Demons 8.13.61

Goals: TBC

Best: Cam Linford, Hugh Sandilands, David Rattenbury, Simon Thomas, Rhett Kerr, Robbie Gore

2018 Grand Final Conference Division Shepherds Bush Raiders 7.9.51 defeated Wandsworth Demons 4.5.29

Goals: TBC

Best: Scott Michell, Matthew Ness, Nathan Costley, Kade Rowbotheram, Tom Donnelly, Josh Morrison, Taylor Mckenzie

AFL London GF Best on Ground Award: Nathan Costley

2017 Grand Final Conference Division Shepherds Bush Raiders 7.8.50 defeated Wandsworth Demons 3.5.23

2017 Grand Final Women's conference Division West London Wildcats 4.8.32 defeated Wandsworth Demons 0.1.1

2016 Grand Final Premiership Division West London Wildcats 14.10.94 Defeated Wandsworth Demons 7.1.43

2015 Grand Final Premiership Division West London Wildcats 8.8 (56) Defeated by North London Lions 8.9 (57)[1]

Goals: TBC

Best: TBC

2014 Grand Final Premiership Division West London Wildcats 14.13 (97) Defeated Wandsworth Demons 8.10 (58)

Goals: David Abernethy 5, Matt Abraham 2, Todd Pfeiffer 2, Brad Collins, Keith Della-Vedova, James Ford, Clint Johnson, Brad Wedgwood

Best: Brad Wedgwood, David Abernethy, Sam Wood, Billy Oswell, Matt Shannon

AFL London GF Best on Ground Award: Brad Wedgwood

2014 Grand Final Conference Division Shepherds Bush Raiders 14.9 (93) Defeated Clapham Demons 2.4 (16)

Goals: David Emerson 4, Kevin Upton 3, Evan Scicluna 2, Nathan Costley 2, Tom Gillard, Nick Graham-Bowman, Dave Little

Best: Ben McCrorey, David Emerson, Nathan Costley, Dan Jeffreys, Adrian Brown, Evan Scicluna

AFL London GF Best on Ground Award: Nathan Costley

2014 Grand Social Premiership Division Ealing Emus 4.7 (31) Defeated South London Demons 4.6 (30)

Goals: Andrew Mann 2, Brad Tinker, Froggy Triplett

Best: Sean Fenney, Scott Fedrici, Brad Tinker, Markus Rees, Sam Furber

2013 Grand Final Premiership Division West London Wildcats 10.10 (70) Defeated North London Lions 9.6 (60)

2013 Grand Final Conference Division Shepherds Bush Raiders 9.5 (59) Defeated Regents Park Lions 5.12 (42)

2012 Grand Final Conference Division Shepherds Bush Raiders 11.11 (77) Defeated Regents Park Lions 12.3 (75)

2011 Grand Final Premiership Division West London Wildcats 13.1(89) Defeated Wandsworth Demons 8.9 (57)

2011 Grand Final Conference Division Shepherds Bush Raiders 17.4 (106) Defeated Clapham Demons 9.13 (67)

2010 Grand Final Conference Division Shepherds Bush Raiders 12.9 (81) def Clapham Demons 7.3 (45)

2010 Grand Social Premiership Division Ealing Emus 7.1 (43) def South London Demons 2.5 (17)

2009 Grand Final Premiership Division

2009 Grand Final Conference Division

2009 Grand Social Premiership Division

2008 Grand Final Premiership Division West London Wildcats 13.8 (86) defeated Putney Magpies 4.3 (27)

Best: Justin 'Maca' McCallion, Ross 'Rosco' Dillon, Leigh 'Burki' Burke, Warrick 'Bloodnut' Fenner, Damien 'Sticky' Lyon, Eoin O'Connor, Xavier 'XMan' McKinnon, Barry 'Baz' Malone

Goals: Leigh Burke, Eoin O'Connor 3, Justin McCallion 2, Sam Miles 1 (others TBC)

Norm Smith Medal: Justin 'Maca' McCallion

2008 Grand Final Conference Division Shepherds Bush Raiders 7.12 (54) defeated Clapham Demons 6.11 (47)

Best: Kade 'Giggz' Nichols, Matty Barr, Pete O'Connel, Marcus 'Willo' Wilson, Shane 'Abbo' Albon, Paul 'Chopper' Donahoo

Goals: Marcus 'Willo' Wilson 3, Kade Nichols 3, Paul Donahoo 1

2008 Grand Final Social Division Ealing Emus 18.17 (125) defeated Nottingham Scorpions 1.5 (11)

Best: Al Carlson, Lucas 'Doof' Cullen, Darryl 'Daz' Dissisto, Pete Kasby, Matt Neville, Ryan 'Rhino' Lapish, John Houston, Simon 'Simmo' Berry

Goals: Al Carlson 4, Wes White 3, Casey Ratcliffe, Ryan 'Rhino' Lapish 2, Darryl 'Daz' Dissisto, Lucas 'Doof' Cullen, Jeremy 'Jez' Lanberg, Paul 'Cutts' Cutler 1 (others TBC)

Norm Smith Medal: Doof

International Tour Matches

[edit]

The Wildcats have played a number of pre-season tour matches across Europe.

  • 2024 AFL Europe Champions League - Womens (5th)
  • 2023 AFL Europe Champions League - Mens (2nd) and Womens (4th)
  • 2022 Dragon Cup Winners - Men's and Women's Divisions
  • 2022 Gallia Cup Runner's Up
  • 2022 Leprechaun Cup Runner's Up
  • 2015 - 2018 AFL Europe Champions League Premiers
  • 2011 West London d Copenhagen Barracudas
  • 2010 West London d Paris Cockerels
  • 5 April 2008 West London 60 d Copenhagen Barracudas 25
  • April 2007 West London vs Croatia
  • 7 April 2006 West London vs Barcelona Stars
  • 9 April 2005 West London 163 d Stockholm Dynamite 51

Best & Fairest

[edit]
Year West London Wildcats Shepards Bush Raiders Ealing Emus Womens Prem Womens Conf
2024 TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA
2023 Tom Forster Louis Miller Grant King Shannon May Erin Bunn
2022 Chris McDougall Drew Parker Benny Sykes Dee Kelly Annabelle Frank
2021 Patrick Robinson Drew Parker Stuie Ward Shannon May Annabelle Frank
2020 No Competition - COVID
2019 Cameron O'Leary Paul Blight Andrew Guthrie Ali Sonnefeld
2018 Cam Linford & James Darke Taylor McKenzie James Wilson Tanaya Redman Casey Hutcheson
2017 Evan Johnson Matthew Abraham Matt Pike N/A Jessie Humble
2016 Andy Challis Luke Moore Carson Macartney
2015 Lloyd Williams Ben McCrorey Rhys Synoot
2014 Todd Pfeiffer & Brad Wedgwood Nick Graham-Bowman Froggy Triplett
2013 Gavin Bowles Brad Tinker Steve Whibley
2012 Adam Broadbent Al Adams Julian Kasby
2011 Adam Broadbent Fergus Adamson Joel Siwak
2010 Dan Prigmore Matty Ryan Brett Rizio
2009 Dan Nankivell Luke Faull Patty Kearins
2008 Matt Chilton Jono Watson David Harrington

1997 Matt Lloyd

End of Season Football Trips

[edit]
Year Destination Year Destination Year Destination Year Destination
1990 Amsterdam 2000 Corfu 2010 Corfu 2020 COVID
1991 Corfu 2001 Corfu 2011 Corfu 2021 Mykonos & Ios
1992 Faliraki 2002 Corfu 2012 Corfu 2022 Ios
1993 Corfu 2003 Corfu 2013 Corfu 2023 Ios
1994 Dubin 2004 Corfu 2014 Corfu 2024 Lagos, Portugal & San Sebastian
1995 Corfu 2005 Corfu 2015 Corfu
1996 Black Country, UK 2006 Corfu 2016 Corfu
1997 Corfu 2007 Corfu 2017 Corfu
1998 Corfu 2008 Corfu 2018 ios
1999 Corfu 2009 Lagos 2019 Mykonos & Ios

Photos

[edit]
  • 2008 Shepherds Bush Raiders
    2008 Shepherds Bush Raiders
  • 2008 West London Wildcats
    2008 West London Wildcats
  • 2008 Ealing Emus
    2008 Ealing Emus

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Triumph for Lions in one-point AFL London Grand Final thriller". Australian Times. 7 August 2012. Retrieved 10 January 2016.
[edit]
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