World Footy News

Scott Reid is well known in international footy circles for having been involved in the early days in Samoa and more recently being a key player in the development of AFL PNG. After much thought Scott has accepted a job in Australia but is confident he leaves Australian Football in good hands in Papua New Guinea.

Scott spoke with WFN and conceded the decision, after six years there, was difficult, and having put so much into footy in PNG he wanted to be sure it wouldn't slide after he left. "We have good people now across all aspects and providing the AFL give us reasonable support it will be okay".

When asked how the players and officials coped with being runners-up in the International Cup for the second time, Scott said "Certainly the boys were pretty unhappy to have lost on the MCG again especially the older blokes" but pointed out "we had Club Finals soon after our return and then National Junior Chamionships so it was back to work". He felt that the team had played well again New Zealand whereas in 2002 they hadn't put in their best showing against the Irish. "At the end of the day the Cup is more important for the spectators and media than for those at the coalface. The players are focussed on the future as is AFL PNG. If we can win one sooner or later that's great but it really isn't a priority".

Rest assured that Scott will stay involved with PNG from his new home. "PNG will of course remain our other home and we will be back regularly. I will still have a role with AFL PNG."

A trademark of AFL PNG has been the great work in fundraising done by Scott and Justin Karcher. This has assisted the various development programs in a country where income levels are low and players struggle to raise their own funds.

The latest fundraising night, in a country that is embracing Aussie Rules but also loves Rugby League, is being billed as the Trial of the Century, pitting the highest leagues of each code against each other.

In the matter of AFL versus NRL, Friday 2nd Dec 2005, The Hideaway Hotel, 6 Mile, PNG

Prosecution: On behalf of AFL fans everywhere represented by the one & only, JOHN ELLIOTT (former high ranking Liberal Party official and President of the Carlton FC)

Defendants: Rugby League fans everywhere represented by the hardest man of all, TOMMY RAUDONIKIS

Charges against Rugby League & NRL:

(1) Mass Murder of true sport on a serial basis; and
(2) Conspiracy to showcase mayhem and violence on a weekly basis.

Crossclaim by NRL against AFL:

(1) AFL is just for sooks and sympathisers; and
(2) Rugby League is the game people want, so give them what they want.

Featuring:

A special JURY of experts who will hear the evidence and give the verdict.

More details at the AFL-PNG website