World Footy News

This article contains a selection of images from around Royal Park during Round 1 of the 2008 Australian Football International Cup, from umpires to flags, AFL staff and hotdog stands.

Amongst the notable attendees were international footy visionaries Brian Dixon, who played a big role in South Africa and is now doing the same in India and China, and Ron Barassi, a long time advocate for internationalising the game and one of the originals to tour Ireland in the 1960s.

Other interesting scenes included the Samoans in deep prayer after their win over India, and the NAB 150 roadshow which lent a carnival atmosphere to the day.

Brian Dixon (left) and Ron Barassi (right)

AFL General Manager of National and International Development, David Matthews with Rod Grljusich get a birds-eye view

Matthews and "Grilla", the latter providing colourful commentary as he is known for in Perth and at the US Nationals

Stepping out in orange - some of the umpires

The hotdog stand was working overtime for most of the day

The NAB 150 Roadshow including the Big Kick

Brian Dixon addresses China after their big loss, explaining that just 6 years ago South Africa, their conquerors, were in the same position

Former Fremantle coach Chris Connolly explains to the Chinese players the importance of warming down and rehab

The Samoans in post-match prayer