World Footy News

The Perth Now website reports that AFL club Fremantle will continue with their efforts in South Africa in early 2009 despite the cancellation of the NAB Cup AFL match between Collingwood and West Coast.

According to Dockers chief executive Steve Rosich, "The Fremantle Football Club's community development staff will be conducting a range of activities in South Africa's North West Province in February 2009 and we will continue to work with the AFL to assist in developing strategies to expand the code in South Africa".

"We have long-term agreements with our strategic partners in South Africa, including Nkwe Platinum, Continental Capital and Air Mauritius, and we are committed to our efforts in the North West Province".

Curiously the article states that "The Dockers made a $200,000 profit from their exhibition match against Carlton in Pretoria last February". Our understanding was that the figure was money to be ploughed back into South African development. The article does also say that "Fremantle is on the verge of appointing a SA development officer, to be based in North West Province".

It also reports that "The Eagles, Dockers, Collingwood and Carlton have until late next year to confirm their commitment to future football development in SA".

Full article, by Kim Hagdorn: Dockers push on with SA plans despite AFL cuts