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Players Listed via the AFL's International Scholarship List - Current


In 2006 the AFL introduced the International Scholarship List to allow AFL clubs to be somewhat speculative in recruiting international players in that they would not fill a normal senior or rookie position. In 2008 the rules were relaxed further. At time of writing they are summarised here. Players listed this way may either be developed in their country of origin, or brought to Australia. We expect there to be some cases where it's ambiguous whether we list them as internationally developed or not, e.g. the Western Bulldog's Solomoni Loki and Inoke Ratu are young men who will be developed in Fiji, but at the time of their recruitment were not playing Aussie Rules, so are internationally developed in the sense of starting out playing Aussie Rules in their home country. In fact there was no organised Aussie Rules in Fiji when they were recruited, though very soon after it commenced. We'll try to list them in the most appropriate place, and certainly they will appear in the list below.

PlayerCountryDetails
Solomoni LokiFijiWestern Bulldogs. Born 1992. Listed after attending scouting camps in Fiji in 2008. Given in-country training and brought to Australia periodically for further development. Entire process may be hampered by 2009 military coup in Fiji.

Inoke RatuFijiWestern Bulldogs. Born 1989. Listed after attending scouting camps in Fiji in 2008. Given in-country training and plan was to bring to Australia periodically for further development, but at time of writing was having difficulty obtaining a visa to enter Australia. Entire process may be hampered by 2009 military coup in Fiji.

Stanis SusuvePNGGold Coast. Born 1990 (unconfirmed). Represented PNG at Under 16 level in the Queensland state championships, and starred for his country in the 2008 International Cup at age 18, soon after (March 2009) being recruited to the Gold Coast FC (on the International Scholarship List), which has been granted the next AFL licence (for 2011), positioning Susuve well to make the AFL if he is good enough. Appears to have been downgraded but will still work with the GC as a "top up player" in 2010 developing his game - and broke through for his first VFL game in May. Team-mate in 2009 was Amua Pirika, but he was released from GC at the start of 2010.

David MeliPNGEssendon. Born 11 Sep 1992. Listed by Essendon in 2009, the first internationally developed player to be listed by a full AFL club (as opposed to Gold Coast, an AFL club-in-waiting). Small forward who came through the PNG junior pathway and was on a scholarship with Southport in Queensland. Essendon has placed him with the Calder Cannons in the Under 18 TAC Cup competition for 2010.

Peter LabiPNGCarlton. Born 31 Dec 1991. Listed by Carlton in 2009, the second internationally developed player to be listed by a full AFL club (as opposed to Gold Coast, an AFL club-in-waiting). 189 cm at time of signing, the quick forward was a member of the PNG Mosquitoes that claimed the International Cup at the MCG in 2008 and in 2009 played for AFLQ side Mt Gravatt after three years of football in PNG. Playing for Carlton's VFL affiliate the Northern Bullants in 2010.

Kurt HeatherleyNew ZealandHawthorn. Born 01 Jan 1995. From Tauranga. 195cm at age 14. Listed by Hawthorn late in 2009 as their first foray into New Zealand, corresponding with their Hanz Up program. Was immediately amongst the best for New Zealand at the inaugural youth Oceania Cup in Fiji. A talented sportsman with a background in basketball, cricket and Rugby Union.

Donald BarryPNGBrisbane Lions. Aged 21 as at early 2010, has spent three years playing in AFL Queensland leagues including starring at times for Mt Gravatt in 2009 and a proven goalkicker. In full training with Brisbane in 2010 and a rough chance to be elevated to their senior list.

Brendan BenoPNGBrisbane Lions. Aged 15 as at early 2010, will spend the year at the AFL PNG Academy in Port Moresby. From the Autonomous Region of Bougainville

Ezra KautuPNGBrisbane Lions. Aged 15 as at early 2010, will spend the year at the AFL PNG Academy in Port Moresby. From West New Britain.

Bayanda SobetwaSouth AfricaPort Melbourne. From Khayelitsha Township, south east of Cape Town, and aged 20 as at early 2011. Spent 2010 in NSW doing an AFL Sportsready Traineeship and playing for GWS in the TAC Under 18s (exemption on age). The first South African brought to Australia by a (future) AFL club. Playing for Port Melbourne in 2011 and doing a traineeship with the AFL.

Gideon SimonPNGRichmond. Will spend 2010 at the AFL PNG Academy in Port Moresby. From Western Highlands.

Nathan MalbakPNGRichmond. Will spend 2010 at the AFL PNG Academy in Port Moresby. From Morobe.

Victor RamePNGEssendon. Will spend 2010 at the AFL PNG Academy in Port Moresby. From West New Britain. Visited Essendon in May 2010 for familiarisation.

Max LavaiPNGEssendon. Will spend 2010 at the AFL PNG Academy in Port Moresby. From NCD (Port Moresby area). Visited Essendon in May 2010 for familiarisation.




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Last Updated: Friday, February 25 2011 @ 09:34 pm ACDT| Hits: 61,760 View Printable Version