World Footy News

One of the keys to capitalising on renewed interest in starting Aussie Rules in Fiji has been finding reliable people on the ground who can support the Oceania Cup and then drive the program forward afterwards. The AFL hopes it has found two such people in Damian Ames and Robert Wolfgramm. We speak to both of these men about their own backgrounds and preview the Fijian youth side set to battle five other nations this weekend. Fiji have already claimed their first scalp with a trial match win over Nauru, while Tonga defeated Samoa in windy conditions.

Unfortunately we were unable to secure previews for PNG and Samoa. Based on their impressive young squads that compete in Queensland carnivals it can be expected that the Papuans will bring the most skilful squad, although they may be a lot smaller than some of the other teams. Samoa will most likely have a lot of young men more familiar with Rugby - possibly very good potential athletes but perhaps little Australian football experience. The same may be true for the Tongans.

Firstly we spoke with Fiji's Damian Ames a few weeks ago:

1. What is your background in football?

I have been in Fiji for 2 years with Coca-Cola. I am originally from Perth, WA and played a couple of games of football at WAFL level ( before AFL hit Perth). I played a couple of seasons for an A Grade Amateur side and coached Amateur colts teams. It is the greatest game on Earth and keen to get it off the ground in Fiji

2. How did you become involved with AFL Fiji?

Started with the Western Bulldogs visit to Fiji in Oct 2008. They were doing talent identification clinics in Fiji and needed help setting them up. I was keen to help out for 2 reasons. It is great to help out AFL clubs as I want to see football take off and also a great opportunity to get local Fiji boys playing Aussie rules. The Bulldogs drafted 2 Fiji boys in October last year and I have been training these 2 boys as well as about 10 other boys from Suva Grammar school on a weekly basis waiting for AFL Fiji to kick off.

3. How long will you be part of the organisation and what are your goals for this time period?

AFL was 1st discussed around June this year with AFL Fiji Committee formed. Since then we have had a 4 school carnival in October, leading up to the Oceania Cup in December this year. I am here in Fiji for another 2 years and dream of a junior and senior competition up and running late 2010.

4. How many players are currently in training for the side?

We have a squad of 35 boys currently training twice a week. The squad will be cut to the final 25 boys this week, with training and tactics increasing

5. Are there any players who have been identified as talent to watch?

There are 2 or 3 boys who have the skills to be drafted during the December carnival depending on what the AFL clubs are looking for. Fijians are tall and athletic with amazing speed. They are super enthusiastic and very quick learners.

6. To what extent are Port Adelaide or the Bulldogs assisting in creating this side for the under 16s cup?

The Western Bulldogs have been to Fiji 4 times during the last 2 years with talent identification. They have helped out at some of the school clinics.

David Rodan from Port and his wife Carla Di Pasquale have been the main Aussie drivers in getting AFL off the ground. Both of them have been great. Port have donated the jumpers and shorts for the "Fiji Power" as well as boots and clothing for the lucky boys. I believe Port have plans, but Carla can fill you in more. Both of them have been in Fiji to help set up the committee and get the October school carnival off the ground. They have strong family connections in Fiji, so keen to make this happen.

We also posed some of the same questions to Robert Wolfgramm:

1. What is your background in football?

I've played exactly one game in my life - at fullback for Monash-Caulfield staff versus students lunchtime friendly (we, staff lost!) about 25 years ago. But I have been a Cats fan since 1963 when they won the flag of course (they also won it in 1952 when I was born).

2. How did you become involved with AFL Fiji?

Put my hand up and they accepted.

3. How long will you be part of the organisation and what are your goals for this time period?

I hope to be involved as long as I am alive. I want to see footy flourish here in Fiji and in the Pacific Islands generally. I want to be part of a successful organisation - AFL Fiji - that is promoting youthful talent and providing opportunities for Fiji's footy players to develop and excel both here and overseas.

worldfootynews.com notes that Fiji's skipper this weekend is Dylan Wolfgramm - we haven't confirmed this yet but one assumes there is a connection.