World Footy News

A recent trip by AFL development officers to Kerema has resulted in the reinvigoration of Australian Football in PNG's Gulf Province.

Papua New Guinea daily The National reported on August 25th that a visit by AFL development officers to Kerema had been a success. AFL-PNG’s Eddie Pala and Raga Raga were sent to Kerema, Gulf province to conduct the lifestyle policy and its player pathway programme after requests by residents and students from local high schools.

Kerema, situated on the Gulf of Papua northwest of Port Moresby, has been in the sights of AFL-PNG for some time as an area suitable for affiliation with the national body.

Senior development officer Joe Maggio said AFL-PNG "was interested in the Gulf Province because of (the local athletes') natural ability, height and their athleticism”. He added that Gulf Province has produced some outstanding Australian footballers in the past, and assistance from AFL-PNG and its hardworking staff should assist Kerema to become one of the leaders of the code in Papua New Guinea.

You can read Henry Morabang's article here.