World Footy News

The International Cup is an integral part of our code.

By any measure, the inaugural Australian Football International Cup in 2002 was an outstanding success, clearly exceeding all expectations.

Eleven teams comprised solely of nationals came from all corners of the world to contest the first International Cup.

The event was played in a great spirit and the standard was generally higher than many had anticipated. It was testimony to the growing strength of the Australian game internationally.

The International Cup dinner held at Telstra Dome was a highlight of the 10-day festival of Australian Football, with some 400 international visitors and the game’s leading local identities joining in a spontaneous cultural exchange.

Accordingly, we approach the second Australian Football International Cup in Melbourne and Wangaratta with anticipation, and welcome Spain as a new contestant.

Defending champion Ireland and runner-up Papua New Guinea will be the benchmarks, but both will face tough challenges. Several, if not all the other countries have shown considerable development in their respective competitions over the past three years, and learning from their initial experience in 2002, have undertaken concerted efforts to improve their performances this year.

Although the AFL’s main objectives in staging the International Cup are to recognise international leagues and also provide them with a focus for their activities, this event will be hotly contested, albeit in a spirit of goodwill.

Tipsters bemoaning the weekly difficulties of selecting winners in the AFL competition will find no relief at this year’s International Cup.

This year’s event will see the international leagues recognised as part of the fabric of community football – the lifeblood of our game.

In 2002, matches in the two pools were played at separate venues generally used for VFL football. However, four of the six rounds this year will be played at community football venues with adjoining ovals, facilitating a carnival atmosphere and allowing spectators and participants to watch all countries in action on the same day.

Three rounds will be played at Murphy Reserve (T M Woodruff Oval and A T Aanensen Oval) in Port Melbourne and all 11 teams will travel by train to Wangaratta for round four and the first staging of the event outside Melbourne.

Our appreciation is extended to the City of Port Phillip, the Rural City of Wangaratta, the Victorian Country Football League, and the Port Melbourne Colts, Wangararatta Rovers and Wangaratta football clubs.

Ed Biggs
AFL Community Development Manager
Competition Manager, Australian Football