By Jonty Ralphsmith
The Pakenham Floorball Club had six players represent Australia at the World Floorball Championships qualifiers from 21-25 May in Philippines.
Australia won bronze at the event which secured qualification for the World Championships in Sweden from 7-15 December.
A growing sport in the country, Pakenham is the biggest floorball club in Victoria, playing on Thursday evenings, with a focus on participation and development.
“It’s cheap, it’s indoors, it’s one of the fastest ball-moving sports in the world and it’s very accessible,” said long time player Gavin Staindl of the appeal.
“There’s good people here too.
“Any time you’re part of a small, defined community you feel a sense of belonging which floorball gives you.”
Staindl, Jesse Justice, Jordan Noel, David Noney, Ryan Alexandrakis and Dylan were the locals in action in Philippines.
Australia defeated China, Singapore and Japan in the group stages, before losing to Philippines in the semi, before defeating Singapore again in a crunch match which decided the bronze medal and qualification.
What is floorball?
– Played between two teams consisting of five field players and a goal keeper on an indoor court
– The game time for official matches is three 20 minute periods
– The rink is built by a series of 50cm boards which encourages the ball to remain in play
– Goals are 160 by 115cm and the rink is 40 by 20 metres
– Players use lightweight sticks and are also allowed to use their body, except head and hands, to advance the ball forward
– The team with the most goals at the end of the game wins
– Goal keepers were protective equipment including a helmet because shots can reach up to 200 km/h.
– Body contact with opposition players is prohibited
– Established in Sweden, the sport is most popular in Europe and is an Olympic-recognised sport
Each player profiled:
Ryan Alexandrakis
Nar Nar Goon North
Goal keeper
One of Australia’s two goal keepers at the tournament, core strength, flexibility and reflexes are key skills. Also the under-19s Australian assistant coach.
Quote: “I’m pretty vocal on the field – I try to talk to my teammates to set them up because I’m essentially their eyes behind the play.”
Dylan Clutterbuck
Pakenham
Right-handed
Defender
Has played floorball for eight years, first representing Australia in friendlies prior to the 2020 World Championships, which were ultimately cancelled due to Covid-19.
Quote: “You need speed, agility, good hand-eye co-ordination and fitness. In floorball and it’s competitive which I enjoy.”
Jesse Justice
Upper Beaconsfield
Left-handed
Right-forward
The only one of the locals representing Australia for the first time in Philippines, Justice debuted in a friendly against Singapore, eight years after being introduced to the sport. An excellent shooter who plays with mongrel and speed.
Quote: “Getting to represent my country while travelling was pretty cool. I felt like I learned a lot and gained confidence as the tournament went on.”
Jordan Noel:
Narre Warren
Left-handed
Centre
Also an ice hockey player, floorball was recommended to Noel in. He scored the match winner in Australia’s bronze medal match which ensured qualification to the World Championships.
Quote: “It was a very young team coming into it and as a team we are very quick. You can see the floorball development knowing where we started. We can now bring it home, develop the juniors and hopefully get them into the national team.”
David Noney:
Right-handed
Attacker
A field hockey player for the Casey Cannons which Noney believes has helped his floorball: ball-handling, physicality and speed are among the traits which overlap.
Quote: “About eight years ago I gave it a go and have fallen in love with it. Everyone at the club was very nice. Gavin (Staindl) has had a huge role in my career as my first coach. It was a great experience with him and the others in the Philippines: we all came together as one and were really happy to qualify.”
Gavin Staindl:
Officer
Left-handed
Defender
A veteran of the Australian team and floorball community, Staindl has seen the sport evolve since starting in 1997, representing Australia at 16 tournaments since 2008.
Quote: “Playing in front of 1000s in big stadiums in Europe is a massive thrill. You are a B-Grade celebrity overseas and you have people asking you for autographs and then come back to Australia and people ask you: ‘what’s floorball?!’ To wear the green and gold is the pinnacle and reach the highest level the sport offers is pretty cool.”
