It takes some passion and perhaps guts to play Aussie Rules Footy at times. For many though its the post game trials that bring the toughest moments, the aches, the bruises, the sore knees and shoulders. But when the game gets in your blood that fades away quickly after a few days and is replaced with more hunger for the next chance play this exciting game.

Jim Batten of the Midtown Bombers leading goalkicker in the Fall 2006 season goes through those feelings and emotions often and despite the hard knocks and the bruises will be coming back in Spring to again taste some of the thrills of Aussie Rules Football in Atlanta.

That is great news for his Midtown Bombers teamates for believe it or not Batten who recently passed his half century in birthday cakes, is still playing like a 20 year old. Sure the blistering speed is little down graded, but the judgement, hand and foot skills have not faltered.

Batten along with many other Aussies around the US keep playing because they love the game, the hits, the skills but mostly the good times and friendships. The post game beers with your opposition players, the banter, jokes and pure analysis of every part of the game is lot of the things players love about the sport.

In the Fall 2006 season Batten was the quiet achiever of the AARFL. His 22 goals to top the goalkicking tally was a huge effort to out post some of the best players in Atlanta. His accuracy being a catalyst we are sure, kicking 22 goals and only 5 behinds is something that must be praised.

Throw in Jims willingness to also umpire games and take on adminstration duties for his club and league and we can all see Batten is man of not only passion but commitment. We look forward to see the "Fying Brick" back out early in 2007 drilling those left or right foot goals on the run. Welcome back to another year Jimbo.