Roving Roo Reporter

August 16, 2024

We are in the home stretch of the 2024 season and it sure has been an exciting one!  Be sure to review what is still happening and make sure your calendar is blocked so you don’t miss any of the remaining Kangaroo events for 2024.

August 24, DC Eagles vs Nashville Kangaroos, Alumni/Member/Sponsor Appreciation Game

The DC Eagles used to be part of the Baltimore/Washington combined club during the early days of the USAFL (and the Kangaroos went 4-2 against that squad), they have split into two separate clubs and have both been prosperous since.  The Kangaroos had several cracks at Baltimore (going 2-4 so far) but have never played DC.

Last year at the Eastern/Central Regional tournament, both DC and Nashville sent partial squads and the USAFL put the two together and voila!  Regional Championship!  Coming off that success, the teams agreed to start a back-and-forth series, with the Eagles visiting the Kangaroos in 2024 and the Roos returning the favor next season.

This is the final home game for the Kangaroos in 2024, with the game being played at the traditional stomping ground of Elmington Park at 2 pm on Saturday August 24th.  And as the final home game, the Kangaroos are proud to say THANK YOU to all the sponsors, members, alumni, and supporters for being there for the Kangaroos in 2024.  In addition, the 2024 Kangaroos Hall of Fame class is being announced!  So be sure to be in attendance as the Roos seek their 9th win of the season, which will also be the 200th overall win in Kangaroos history.

August 30, Metro 4 Redbacks vs Wallabies

August will close with the final Metro regular season game, where the Redbacks plan to expand on their 2-1 lead and lock in the regular season championship.  The Wallabies have a different idea and look to even the season at two games apiece and build momentum into the Grand Final game (to be played on the Friday evening before the AFL Grand Final Party later that night).  All the bragging rights will be on the line for the victors and an off season of grousing and planning revenge for the losers.

Game: Friday August 30, 7:00 pm, Morgan Park

September 14, Kangaroos @ Des Moines Roosters

The Kangaroos will hit the road for the final game of the 2024 regular season, making their first ever visit to Iowa to take on the Des Moines Roosters.  These same Roosters made a great showing earlier in July as they came to Nashville looking for their second win ever against Nashville.  If things keep going as they have the past few years (with the Roos and Roosters clashing at Regional and National tournaments), this could easily turn into a classic rivalry match up.  However, with the Roos holding a 5-1 edge thus far, they will be looking to extend their five-game winning streak as they get ready for the National Championships in October.

September 27, Metro Grand Final and AFL Grand Final Watch Party

The Redbacks will likely be the favorites heading into the Metro Grand Final, with the Wallabies trailing in the season series 2-1 but hoping to even it up with a win in August.  Regardless, all the marbles are on the line, bragging rights for the next twelve months are up for grabs, and of course the winners take home the hardware. As Flacco said in The Replacements, “Pain is temporary; chicks dig scars; glory lasts forever!”

Come see the epic clash on Friday September 27th, 7 pm in Morgan Park under the lights.  Wear your Roos gear, cheer for your favorite Redback, Wallaby or both!  And bring your camera to capture the moment.

Then, after you grab dinner, come join the Nashville Kangaroos at Homegrown Taproom and watch the AFL Grand Final with us!  We have been at this location multiple times and they love having us there.  Plenty of options for the beer afficionados and we will have the run of the place!  We take over at 11 pm with the trash talking starting as soon as possible and continuing until after the final siren.

 Homegrown Taproom, 2720 Old Lebanon Pike, Nashville, TN 37214

November 2, Awards Night and Annual General Meeting

We conclude the 2024 year with our combined Annual General Meeting and Awards Night Dinner, which will be at Homegrown Taproom again this year.  This is a formal event, starting at 7:00, with dinner at 7:30, the AGM at 8:00 and the Awards at about 9:00 pm.

The Annual General Meeting will be short, with four reports (Secretary, Treasurer, Football, and President) followed by the election of the 2024-25 Board of Directors.  If you are interested in being part of the board, contact the club for the nomination form.

The Awards Night will include the traditional awards for Best and Fairest, Best and Fairest Runner-Up, Leading Goal Kicker, Best Clubman, and Most Improved.  In addition, we have a new addition to the Century Club (100 Kangaroos games played) and will present that trophy as well. And not to mention, this year we also have five inductees into the Kangaroos Hall of Fame.

Come on out and join us at these great events!