In 1998 the OC Bombers was formed by a group of mates looking for a touch of Australia here in Orange County. For the next 2 decades we competed in the USAFL in the red and black, bringing home a division 2 usafl national championship in 2002 and reaching division 1 Grand Finals in back to back years in 2014 and 2015. We have always put a focus on growing the sport locally and have a majority of local American talent on our list.
In 2019 we partnered with the GWS Giants, a professional afl club out of Sydney, Australia, and thus the OC Giants were born. in 2021 we continued to grow as a club, adding a women’s team that competed in both regionals and nationals, and the men’s team added to our success with a division II regionals title and third place at nationals.
IN 2023 WE CONTINUED TO COMPETE EVEN ADDING OUR FIRST WOMEN’S TOURNAMENT TO GROW OUR SPORT.
IN 2024 WE CONTINUE TO BE SOCIAL CLUB THAT LOOKS TO GROW ON AND OFF THE FIELD. IF YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO MEET SOME GREAT MATES AND LEARN A NEW SPORT, COME ON DOWN!
the oc giants are a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
JACK BUTLER - PRESIDENT
Jack is an American who joined Orange County AFC in 2018 playing some of his first games under the Bombers in the tundra of Racine, WI at the USAFL Nationals tournament. Having an American football background, he quickly found love for Aussie Rules with its physical and competitive nature. Jack has played almost every position on the field, except for those titled “forward” - a natural defenseman. What Jack likes best about the club is the camaraderie within the team both on and off the field. “What really sold it for me is the enthusiasm of the Australian team members. I had never heard of Aussie Rules Football prior to joining the club but it didn’t matter. They are genuinely excited to share their sport, and a pint, to any who are interested. Wish we had the sport here [USA] growing up.” Jack encourages anyone who is interested to play or support the club.
JOHN CASE - COACH
John is an American who lived in Australia and learned and played in QAFL (Queensland Australian Football League), playing for the Mt. Gravatt Vultures and Springwood Pumas. In 2013 he joined Orange County to compete in the USAFL and has played each position from the forward line to ruck and even in the defensive half. When asked about how the sport was in Australian compared to the USAFL he responded "It truly is amazing how competitive this league is and would most certainly give any of the club in Australia a run for their money. To be able to continue playing the sport l loved and in the US is truly exciting. I definitely enjoy everything about the club and what it has to offer on and off the field" John recommends to anyone looking for a new sport and some great friends, footy and the OC Giants is the way to do it.