World Footy News

The South Pacific and World teams have begun the process of playing scratch matches in the lead up to their first NAB AFL Under 16s match this weekend.

On Sunday the South Pacific squad had a trial match in country Victoria (but not far from Melbourne) against a Waubra Under 18s team, kicking 4.11 (35) to 5.2 (32). Best players included Wingti Pena, Slim Collins, Donatello Moses, Herman Tanuvasa, Samiuela Tuitupou, Liam Ackland, Gavuri, Rhys Panui-Leth and John Ikupu. The World side has also had a hitout, with more to come. The coaching staff have the difficult task of pulling together all the different nationalities, working out their best roles, giving all the players a fair run, and ensuring the players learn to play together as a cohesive unit.

The South Pacific are supported by an extensive coaching team, including David Lake (senior coach with Mt Gravatt in the AFLQ), Trent Croad (NZ born and a Hawthorn premiership player), Scott Lucas (Essendon premiership player), and AFL staff Dean Warren and Lawrie Woodman. The experienced group have been happy and excited by improvement in all the players so far.

The South Pacific squad in Ballarat for the Waubra match