World Footy News

worldfootynews.com can now reveal further details of the AFL's new Regional Development Manager position for Oceania. For many years there has been a growing push from international Leagues to get more support from the AFL, not just based on wishful thinking or big plans, but backed by promising results on the ground. There has been steady progress in convincing key AFL stakeholders, and this has no doubt been as much an issue within the AFL hierarchy itself as it has between the Leagues and the AFL. Although there have been setbacks along the way, and will no doubt continue to be, the direction is clearly positive. As we've reported previously, progress has accelerated since 2005 and the appointment of a full time staffer as Oceania representative could be a step towards having more regional managers across the world - we certainly hope so. More details follow.

The AFL's General Manager of National and International Game Development, David Matthews, stated in a release to International Affiliates:

"Given that the AFL is established as the “keeper of the code” and potential is evident in some foreign markets, the AFL has both an obligation and an opportunity to adopt a more effective international plan. To provide a focused and coordinated approach to the growth and development of Australian Football across the Oceania region the AFL is pleased to announce the following".

Matthews went on to say, "Andrew Cadzow has been appointed to the position of Regional Development Manager – Oceania and will officially commence on the 22nd April. Andrew has extensive experience working in the Australian Football industry having worked with AFL Queensland in various development positions over the past 20 year period.

"Andrew is passionate about the development of the game internationally and has been instrumental in the growth and development of the game in Papua New Guinea over the past five years while performing his duties as Regional Development Manager - Brisbane North. Andrew will work from the AFL Queensland office and report to AFL National Participation Manager Dean Warren. Andrew’s appointment is essentially supported by existing budgets".

The Oceania countries serviced include Papua New Guinea, Fiji, New Zealand, the Solomon Islands, Samoa, Vanuatu, Tonga and Nauru.

"The initial focus of Andrew’s role will be to complete an audit of activities to determine current and future opportunities across the region. Once this is completed he will work with each country to develop specific plans that will then be consolidated into one regional plan that reflects the 8 core pillars of the AFL’s International plan. The new plan and strategy will consider the combined opportunity across participation, talent, media/broadcasting and commercial/government/sponsorship".

Cadzow will also work with countries in the region to assist them in their quest to attend the International Cup. It should be noted that the new role won't necessarily mean uniform assistance across all Oceania nations. Matthews stated that "While all countries will be serviced they will be prioritised according to potential to develop sustainable participation models and pathway for talented players. The development of partnerships with key government agencies and corporate partners with interests in the Oceania region will be critical to the regions long-term growth and sustainability".