World Footy News

As the AFL continues its push into South Africa, role models for budding young players can be an important factor. Obviously it will be much more significant when a player groomed in a local competition is drafted into the Australian Football League, but in the meantime AFL South Africa may be able to leverage the recent rookie listing of a young player born in their country.

St Kilda has added Luke van Rheenen to their rookie list in the recent drafts. Playing for Scoresby under 18's in 2006, van Rheenen was born in South Africa. He is reportedly a mobile ruckman standing 201 cm and currently 18. He captained the juniors and played three senior matches. Of course rookie listing with the Saints is only the first step, so AFL South Africa no doubt will hope he continues on to make the senior list and establish himself in the AFL.