The Howick Hornets AFL team have just completed their first ever pre season training camp in Maramarua, Waikato.

It was an overnight camp which saw the Hornets rise early on Saturday to be ready for first bounce at 9am. The first session was a skills based session aiming to fine tune the skills of the handpass, drop punt and tackling. The skills were well executed through intensive drills and got the legs warmed up for what would be the toughest session. 

After a short break the boys were eager to get stuck into the next hour and a half session. Paul aka Taco was set to put the boys through his "Taco's Trials" that focused on team building & fitness. Taco's Trials consisted of team relays of tractor tire flipping, fence post sprints and farmer carries. Once the teams were puffing they quickly moved onto a handball drill to emphasis the importance of communication when tired. The grand finale to Taco's Trials was the cards of pain. This involved four teams (two teams sharing a pack of cards each) picking a card and fulfilling the cards suited exercises and the number of reps. The exercises consisted of bear crawls, shuttles, burpees and fence post squats & press. It was safe to say the team deserved the rest after Taco's Trials. 

After lunch we went into expansive drills to replicate game situations. Splitting into two teams and playing in their preferred positions the Hornets showcased their skills they had developed through the day and the quality of football was top notch. The Hornets were able to sculpt the style of football they want to play in 2018. 

The team finished off their training camp with a relaxing spa at Miranda Hot Pools. The hot water was soothing to the tired muscles after a big day. After the pools the team headed back to the rugby club for dinner and further team bonding watching the All Blacks match.  

The training camp was a huge success due to the fact the players came with the right attitude; to develop and improve their skills and push themselves to the next level. Even injured players came down to support the lads as they were put through various skills, drills and fitness. 

The first Hornets preseason camp was a great success and is something all future Hornets need to put in their calendars for 2019.

Big thank you to Paul Millar who was instrumental in organising the camp, Will McKenzie & Terrance Carroll for their assistance in facilitating the day and keeping the guys well fed. Thank you to Maramarua Rugby Club for hosting us and allowing us to use your facilities. 

Up the Hornets!

Preseason training has been firing on all 8 cylinders the last couple of months. We have been having a turn out of 25+ players regularly with many more unable to make it due to Winter sport commitments.

The skill level has been the highest it has ever been during preseason and the Hornets are ramp up to the opening game, the first weekend of September. Keep updated on our website and Facebook supporters page for the season draw.

The AFLNZ Senior New Zealand wider training squad was announced on Monday with the inclusion of two Hornets. Luke Williams & Ryan White have been included in the wider training squad which is all part of the AFLNZ road to the 2020 International Cup.

Luke Williams' inclusion in the squad comes off the back of a successful U18 campaign with the New Zealand U18 squad. Luke was named captain of the New Zealand side, for the team when they went to play in Australia earlier this year. Luke's leadership was pivotal in helping the U18 team achieve their first ever win on Australian soil. Luke also participated in the AFLNZ 2018 Premiership as a development player. He played for many teams and was always a huge asset to which ever team he played for; even managing to kick two goals for the Western Crows when playing alongside fellow Hornet Ryan White.

Ryan's naming was based on his successful debut season for the Western Crows in the AFLNZ 2018 Premiership. Initially playing in the back pockets, Ryan was pushed forward into the centres & on ball feeding off current New Zealand players. Ryan proved to be very consistent for the Crows which earned him the Best and Fairest award for the Crows and subsequently nominated for the Overall Premiership Best and Fairest. 

The Hornets are extremely proud of Luke & Ryan for being named in the wider training squad and hope that they can work hard to achieve the next level and make the senior side. 

Up the Hornets. 

The Howick Hornets AFL season will kick off in two weeks time on Monday 2nd July 6.00pm at the Hornets Nest (Paparoa Park, Howick).

Come on down for the first kick around and meet the new faces. Feel free to bring mates or anyone who might be interested in playing.

Up the Hornets!

Jay Green is the newest Australian expat to join the Howick Hornets Club.

Jay started footy in his country town in South Australia and won an under 16s flag. He then moved to the city and played for two years at a club called Meningie. Both these years, Jay's team made the grand final but unfortunately lost.  Jay is a fast moving half back flank but can easily play up the ground in a half forward  or wing position.

​Jay is going to bring his experience and knowledge to the club and we are super excited to have him lineup for the hornets. Welcome to the nest mate.

Up the Hornets!

The Hornets are welcoming Steph Tabaillou to the Hornets family. Steph who had previously played for the Universtiy Blues has transferred to the Howick Hornets 2018 season. 

Steph will now don the Blue & Yellow jumper along side his younger brother Oli Tabaillou (the 2017 Young Gun award winner) after playing against each other in the previous season. He brings with him vast experience of over 6 years in the AAFL for University, played for Auckland Buccaneers for over 3 years and played in the AFLNZ Premiership for the Western Crows for the last 2 years along side our Hornets Captain.

Steph is a natural ball runner which will help bolster the half back line & midfield providing a new avenue to getting the ball to the forward. He showed how effective the running of the ball wall for the Crows; clearing out of the backline and gaining forward momentum for the team. 

The Hornets looking forward to Steph playing for them and are excited for the upcoming season.

Up the Hornets! 
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Big thank you to all the 80 participants who braved the wind and rain to compete in the inaugural Howick Hornets AFL Golf Fundraiser last Sunday. With your help the club will be able to purchase additional required uniforms and balls needed for the upcoming season.

We would also like to say a big thank you to all of the key sponsors on the day who provided awesome prizes that were well received. Howick Hornets extend their gratitude to;

Howick Golf Club 
​Basalt Bar and Restaurant 
Scaffold Connect Limited 
Sals Pizza Highland Park 
Terry Carroll 
Will McKenzie 
Paul Millar 
Coca Cola Amatil 
Griffens
Menulog 
Bike Barn
​Tayla Jury

The day was a huge success and we look forward to improving the day to make it bigger and better next year. 

The Howick Hornets have welcomed Travis Walker into the club this week. Travis brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience and will be filling in the role of Assistant Coach and Ruckman / Key Forward. The Hornets playing group is very excited to have more experience within the squad, which is also an opportunity for them to develop their own game.

Travis started his football career at Narre Warren Football Club in Melbourne. He then moved onto the EFL and payed a few years for Silvan FC with his mates before finishing up his junior year at Dingly FC. At Dingly he has achieved a Grand Final win and also achieved best on ground being awarded the Lloyd Griffiths medal.

Travis' senior career saw him move out to country football. Playing in country football provided Travis valuable experience and helped develop his game. We have heard through valuable sources that Travis is powerful ruckman who is able to win the contest by dominating his opponent. Travis finished up in Australia at Heatherton FC before jumping the ditch and coming to the Hornets.

The Hornets Club and Family would like to welcome Travis to the club and look forward to playing footy with him this 2018 season. 

Up the Hornets!

The Hornets debut season in the AFLNZ Premiership has finished with a flourish. At the conclusion of round 9, the Hornets had 5 players who had at least 1 cap for their respected teams with Luke Williams, Elliott Bennetts and Ryan White all playing the majority of the season and Kevin Crowe and Andy Cook being called up to the Giants in Round 7 & 9.

Elliot Bennetts, a key small forward for the Giants helped them secure the 2018 premiership in round 7 with two games to play. The Giants managed a 7 game unbeaten streak only to come undone in round 8 against the Crows. The Giants finished strong with a 92 point victory over the Suns in round 9 and Elliot kicking a goal from a set shot. 

Elliot's knowledge of the game has developed playing along side some very experienced players. He was impressed with the intensity and level of play that is required to play in the premiership and looks to take the same intensity and his knowledge back to the Hornets for their season in 2018. 

Luke Williams has performed extremely well throughout the premiership which has resulted in him being picked for the New Zealand youth side to play in Wellington. As an academy player he is allocated to a team each week; where he has slotted right in to their starting line up. Luke has been very consistent throughout the season, earning a position in the team of the week in round 6 and the rising star award in round 9. The rising star is an award for youth players whom perform exceedingly well. Luke will be a huge asset to the Hornets for future years as he is still young but gaining a lot of experience playing in the senior competitions and representing New Zealand.

Ryan White was the sole Hornet in the Western Crows. He improved week in week out; with his confidence growing through the season. Playing alongside New Zealand representatives he has gained a vast amount of experience and knowledge which he looks forward to passing on to his fellow Hornets. Ryan was named captain of the Western Crows for the final game in round 9 and was awarded the Best and Fairest award for his performance in round 9. He was also awarded the Western Crows Best and Fairest for the season which was a huge honour for his debut season.

Kevin Crowe and Andy Cook both got a taste of what premiership football is all about. The both played one game for the Central Giants alongside Elliot Bennetts. We hope that they enjoyed their experience and it encourages them to play in the competition the following year and for more Hornets to sign up. Having more Hornets playing at a higher level will only benefit the club as we go from strength to strength. 

​The 2018 premiership was hugely successful for the Hornets.

A huge congratulations to Luke Williams for earning a place in the New Zealand AFL Academy Level 2 team, set to take on Mornington Peninsula BlueScope Steelers at Westpac Stadium on ANZAC weekend. 

Luke has been playing superbly in the AFLNZ Premiership and his appointment is well deserved.  Luke is consistently kicking goals for which ever team he is playing for; usually being marked by senior players. Luke was named in the Premiership team of the week in round 6.

Luke has played for the Hornets (and Pakuranga) for two years; having picked up the sport through the Kiwikick Programme in Pakuranga College. Luke played his first games for Pakuranga Panthers as a 16 year old and continue to play for the team as we became the Howick Hornets. Luke is so committed to the team that he traveled from Hamilton each weekend to play for the Hornets in 2017. 

Congratulations Luke and all the best for the game.

Up the Hornets!

The Howick Hornets are hosting a fundraiser at the Howick Golf Club on Sunday 27th of May in conjunction with Howick Golf Club & Basalt Bar & Restaurant. 

The tournament will be groups of four playing Ambrose. The rules of Ambrose will be explained on the day. There will also be a longest drive competition and closest to the pin. There will be registration for the teams of 4 and individuals (who will be placed to make a team of 4)

Included in your entry is a BBQ Breakfast provided by Basalt with refreshments and a lunch and beverage after you have completed your round. 

The Howick Golf Club is located on Musick Point and boasts million dollar views of the Hauraki Gulf. So come join the Hornets as we cross codes on this picturesque golf course. 

For more information please contact Andrew Azzopardi 021 220 7112