Axemen vs Fight Preview

The city of Brotherly love may have to put the hugs and kisses on hold this weekend as the top two teams square off in what promises to be a highlight of the season. Both Philadelphia Fight and the Jacksonville Axemen are 4-0 playing for what will likely be #1 home field advantage and the drivers seat in the semi-finals.

The last time these teams met was in Round 8, 2011 where Philadelphia was soundly beaten on the road by an Axemen outfit that was determined not to travel back the following week should they lose. Fast forward twelve months and both teams see this as early bragging rights in what might be a rematch or the silverware.

For those that make it to the game on Sat, here’s a list players that can be game breakers when the game is ready to swing one way or the other.

Jaxemen Axemen

Jonathan Defau (USA)
Position: Lock
At 5'10ft and 250 pounds, Defau continues to get the Axemen extra yards by taking 3-4 defensive players to pull him down. Not only does he enjoy the tough stuff straight up the middle he has also formed quite a combination close to the line with play maker Brent Shorten.

Brent Shorten (Australia)
Position: Five Eighth
The key to the Axemen attack who thrives in broken play. Extremely vocal on the field always marshalling his troops throughout the game. His maturity and patience was evident last weekend against Boston having a hand in 6 of the Axemen 7 tries.

Nathan Tait (Australia)
Position: Centre
A strong and aggressive centre with a powerful fend that gets him on the outside of his opposing man. Always aware of opportunities running off Shorten’s passes out wide.

Philadelphia Fight

Chase Mason (Australia)
Position: Lock/Fullback,
A tall, strong and powerful player who can find the smallest of gaps and take strides that make him difficult to tackle. Aptly supports the ball runner and then takes over as a second phase player. Scored 88 points in 3 games (injured Round 3) more than a third of the Fight’s total points.

Johnny Weber (Australia)
Position: Five Eighth
The Fight captain has a high work-rate in both defense & attack. Also a prolific goal kicker that can make each try two additional points anywhere on the park. A quick thinking player who provides the best on field positioning to capitalize on a weakened defense.

Jared Frymoyer (USA)
Position: Wing
This previously selected Tomahawk player has blistering speed and the perception to get himself in the right position at the right time. Already with 6 tries in 4 games, he’s also a safe, powerful & no-nonsense defender who roams the field at will to get involved.

Note: Due to the heat expected this weekend, the game has been pushed back to 7pm.
Sat, June 30 7pm - YSC Sports, Wayne PA