World Footy News

The Kokoda Track in PNG is certainly getting a work-over from many with AFL connections. Following on from many recent forays, including a trip just lately from ex Fremantle Dockers and Adelaide Crows high flyer Tony Modra (as part of a McGuiness-McDermott Foundation trip), the Hawthorn Football Club will once again tackle the track. They will take their latest batch of recruits, and those unavailable when the Hawthorn last walked the track at the end of 2004, on the trip.

Almost immediately after the completion of the AFL National Draft in November the Hawthorn contingent will head off. Hawthorn were particularly pleased with the hastened development of now senior footballers Lance Franklin, Jarryd Roughead, Jordan Lewis and Simon Taylor, who had all just been drafted prior to the club’s last trip, and who are now all established senior footballers.

Obviously Hawthorn would be very happy if their latest group of draftees were to make such substantial progress as a result of the bonding and character development that undoubtedly occurs as a result of such a trip.

For footy in PNG, if it can benefit to some extent each time such established AFL groups and identities visit, it will only speed up the development of the game within Australia’s nearest neighbouring country.

Editor: Let's hope a club like Hawthorn can get involved in some way while they are there, even if just a few players and officials dropping in to say g'day to the volunteers, business supporters or talent squad players over there.

For more about the trip read: Plan to put rookies on right track

For more about recent footy stories in PNG read:

Kurakums of PNG - showcasing international women's football

Gold Coast just right for PNG juniors