World Footy News

Papua New Guinea recently won the Intenational Cup 2008, defeating the gallant New Zealand Falcons. However there is a whole lot more to PNG footy than the Mosquitoes' performance. We have touched on the many aspects of AFLPNG’s operations in a variety of articles but I thought it would be great to get an overview from National Operations Manager Peter Cates about the story so far, and where to in the future.

Rod Shaw for WFN: What was the reaction of the PNG management and players to their performance at the IC08?

Peter Cates: Their initial reaction was one of immense relief. Having been runners-up at the last two International Cups there was a lot of pressure for them to bring home the trophy. From Management in particular, there would have been a feeling of pride based on the work that they have done in PNG to develop the code and have this tremendous result. Other countries have ten times the budget of PNG but it shows that if you have the passion and belief anything can happen.

RS: Could you briefly discuss the arrangement AFLPNG have with AFLQ?

PC: AFLQ plays a vital role in the development of footy in PNG. It has allowed PNG teams and individuals to become an integral part of Queensland Talented Player Pathway. PNG U14 & U16 National Boys and U16 National Girls teams compete in the Qld State Championships and U18 PNG boys attend selection trials in Cairns for the North QLD Kookaburras Squad. In addition, AFLQ supports a scholarship program where talented young PNG players are selected to go down to QLD and play footy for a local club. AFLQ also supports AFLPNG with technical support such as umpire and coaching accreditation and provides competent staff to assess and select the talented player squads.

RS: With such a good relationship with AFLQ do you feel that has been beneficial in improving PNG players? How?

PC: It definitely has been beneficial. AFLQ provides the opportunity for the PNG players to test themselves at a higher level. Not only in a game sense, but this includes facilities and administration as well. Players and PNG staff get to play games at venues they could only dream of back in PNG. The coaches and administrators learn so much more about the game when they stand shoulder to shoulder with their Queensland counterparts. As the thirteen year olds travel through the pathway their total football knowledge improves and by the time they are 17/18, even if they do not get a football scholarship, they have gathered a lot of experience to improve the game in PNG.

RS: Has there been any interest in listing any of the PNG players on AFL rookie lists at this stage?

PC: Yes there have been a few nibbles. A few AFL Clubs have shown some interest and even a couple of AFL Player Managers have been sniffing around. Which is always a good sign!?!

RS: Who would you think may attract AFL interest and why?

PC: Based on his Teal Cup performance and his performance with the Brisbane Cubs, I think that John James has a real chance. There are also a couple of youngsters that showed a lot of promise at the International Cup such as Amua Pirika, but expect a couple of surprises.

RS: The AFL PNG junior championships take place shortly. Could you briefly explain the lead up to this event, the importance of this event and the follow up involvement of players after the National Junior Champs?

PC: For development purpose and because of its unique geographical spread, AFLPNG has divided PNG into four Regions - the Islands Region, the Momase Region, the Highlands Region and the Southern Region. The lead up to the annual National Junior Championships begins back in these four Regions of PNG where Regional Championships are held. At the Regional Championships school based teams compete in the U13 boys, U15, boys and girls & U17 boys age groups for selection in Regional Squads in the same age divisions. The squads then travel to Lae for the Nationals.

The event is important for two main reasons. Firstly, it is the first opportunity for players to be observed by independent selectors for selection in the National Representative Squads to begin their journey through the Talented Player pathway. The second, is that we conduct coaching, umpiring, administration and lifestyle education for the volunteers during the Championships to improve the standard of AFL across the country.

Those boys selected at the Nationals are then invited to attend a Talent Camp held at the National Sports Institute in Goroka during December each year. At the Talent camp they are put through a series of skills and fitness tests run by AFLQ and final squad members selected.

RS: In what ways have you judged the previous Junior Champs to be a success?

PC: I am about to run my third Nationals and I think the best way to Judge the success of the Nationals is to look at the outcomes over the last few years:

- U14 and U16 Binatangs promoted from Country Championships to State Championship Level.
- U16 Kurrakums currently U16 QLD Girls State Champions.
- 20 PNG boys on AFLPNG scholarships in Queensland.
- Mosquitoes won the 2008 International Cup with a very young side.

Another way I like to judge its success is by the amount of new areas across PNG that want to become involved. In the not too distant future we will be conducting Provincial Championships prior to the Regionals and there are twenty provinces.

Finally, the standard of football and the quality of player has improved markedly. This can be put down to the education of the volunteers at the Nationals, some who are coming back for their 3rd Nationals with a far greater experience and range of skills.

RS: On a different tack, earlier this year saw the PNG Senior football competitions incorporated under the AFLPNG banner. Could you briefly explain the history of the two organisations and why this year the AFLPNG comps have finally decided, on what I see as a 'natural fit', to become a key part of AFLPNG?

PC: Senior football has existed in PNG for over forty years and like a lot of Australian leagues has been subject to the whims and enthusiasm of local volunteers. It also suffered a decline due to the influence of other codes, in particular Rugby League.

In PNG there wasn’t a junior program anywhere to support the longevity of Senior Football. At the beginning of this Century, AFLPNG was formed to focus on the development of junior football through the schools system. This also included the education of umpires, coaches and administrators. The desired outcome, as happens in Australia, is that the players and the support personnel would move up the ranks into the senior body.

After seven years of junior development, a great deal of younger players are now playing senior football, the senior football fraternity has accepted the importance of junior development, and it was time to bring the juniors and seniors under the one umbrella.

RS: Sticking with the old, perhaps the flag-bearer for PNG footballers has recently retired. Do you see a role for Mal Michael within the AFLPNG structure?

PC: Mal Michael is a superstar in PNG and a role model for the young kids. With credentials like his there is always a place for Mal in the development of AFL in PNG. His knowledge of the game and his inter-personal relationship with the people of PNG would be invaluable to help promote and develop the game. Mal is currently Australian based and future financial resources will dictate the amount of his involvement. However, I am sure that he will do as much as he can.

RS: Beautiful work Peter and all the best going forwards.