World Footy News

We reported that numerous international recruits were playing across Australian state leagues last weekend. Here is a brief follow up of how some of them performed.

American Shae McNamara made his VFL debut for effectively Collingwood's reserves side, named in the ruck and kicking one goal but not featuring in his team's best players for their loss.

Papuan Peter Labi, on an international scholarship with Carlton, debuted for the reserves side of their feeder club, the Northern Bullants. They too suffered a loss, but Labi kicked a goal and was amongst his side's best players.

Up to Queensland and Stanis Susuve is still under consideration with the Gold Coast who are preparing for the 2011 AFL entry by playing a season in the VFL. Susuve missed selection in Gold Coast's round 1 team, but excelled with Queensland state league side Labrador, named their third best player and kicking 2 goals in their big win over the Western Magpies. Also booting two was countryman Emmaus Wartovo.

In the same league, PNG's John James is playing for Mt Gravatt and although he had a quiet week there has been talk that Carlton may have an interest in him.

A step down to Queensland's second top league, the Pineapple Hotel Cup, and PNG's Emmanuel Tupia has been doing okay, kicking goals for Coolangatta Tweed Heads as they show signs of a much more competitive year than 2009, with a part of that possibly a host of Papuan's giving them more depth.

Certainly the Papuans have an eye for the goals and any AFL club looking light on for small crumbing forwards over the next few years would do well to keep an eye on the Papuan talent.