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David Rodan Cup and grail

Oceania

Back in late August WFN told you about Andrew Cadzow having been in Fiji helping with preparations for the David Rodan Cup.

As reported In October 2009, AFL FIJI held a Schools Carnival at Corpus Christi, Suva. Four secondary colleges competed in the 15-a-side competition. Laucala Bay defeated Suva Grammar and received the David Rodan Cup. The carnival also served as a selection process for the the Oceania Cup training squad.

Zac Milbank in the Adelaide Advertiser recently ran a feature on David Rodan’s ‘Fijian dream’ in an article entitled “Port to reap benefits of Fiji mission”. Note that it’s on limited online availability to members only of Port fan sites.

The article describes how AFL playing Fijians Alipate Carlile, Nic Naitanui and David Rodan will be in Suva this month to promote the “David Rodan Cup”. Also that Port’s recruiting team will be scouring local talent to land it’s first international scholarship player.

Rodan stated “He would be a project player in need of a fair bit of development. But when you think they could come in the form of big blokes like Naitanui and Carlile, they are all really tall and athletic. So if you’re willing to have a go, it’s definitely a measured risk. ”

Rodan continues “That’s why it’s very exciting and means a lot to us. It’s not only giving guys from Fiji opportunities, but we really think they can make a difference for teams in the AFL. They’ve got all the great attributes which really match the modern game in speed, height, agility and leap so we thought if we could form a scheme to get these guys across it would be great. ”

The 2010 David Rodan Cup first bounce is on October 23. Fiji’s next task is sending a team to the Oceania Cup in Tonga from December 14-18.

Rodan also has some ‘lofty aims for 2011’.

By January, an Auskick program is to be rolled out nationally across Fiji.

By May, to establish an expanded 9s tournament.

By August to see the first Fijian team compete in the (4th) AFL International Cup.

And by December to have regular leagues at under -12, -14, -16 and -18 levels beginning.

Rodan is taking advice and support from Tim Scala, a director of club sponsor MyATM. However, further financial sponsorship, and donations of footys and equipment are also needed.