World Footy News

Vancouver junior Scott Fleming has been true to his word and followed his Aussie Rules dream to Australia, arriving on the Gold Coast and scoring a try out with strong AFL Queensland side Broadbeach. We've followed Scott's plans for several years now so it's encouraging to see the talented product of the North Delta Junior AFL getting his chance Down Under.

Fleming was a star in the NDJAFL, the strongest junior league in North America. Playing since age 13, he is one of the few North American players who have had plenty of exposure to the sport from a young age. Combine an athletic 192 cm frame with a lot of experience in other sports such as basketball, volleyball and soccer at a high level, and you have talent worth keeping an eye on.

Congratulations must go to Broadbeach for being prepared to give a young international hopeful a go. They compete in the AFLQ's top league, the Velocity Sports Cup, home to a lot of emerging young talent, seasoned pros and a scattering of former AFL players. Fleming's development has been encouraged along the way by recent outgoing AFL Canada President Mike McFarlane and his Gold Coast trial was in part arranged by AFL Canada stalwart Greg Everett. The Queensland league is improving rapidly and may challenge traditional powerhouse state leagues like the WAFL and SANFL within a few years, and recently defeated Tasmania, so Fleming will have his work cut out for him.

Recently turning 18, he is expected to line up for the Northwind in the 2008 Australian Football International Cup in August. You can find out more on Fleming's move to Queensland in Canadian Junior Joins Broadbeach - don't ask us what the Australian Rules International Football Federation is though - we've never heard of it! You can also read about his background in our earlier stories such as Sydney Swans help Canadian youth dream of AFL careers and North Delta product aiming high.