World Footy News

The following is a 2010 update on Aussie Rules progress in Otago, in the south of New Zealand's south island, one of football's frontier regions. Courtesy of Nathan Rose.

Greetings from the deep south!

The Otago Aussie Rules scene has experienced steady growth since its inception in late 2007. Our biggest challenge is in finding opposition – as the Otago ‘Riot’ is the only organised team based in Dunedin, our guys are forced to do a lot of travel to get a game. We are currently exploring options for regular football, including inclusion in the Canterbury AFL, or forming new teams in Dunedin, as the current situation means we only play on occasional weekends against willing opponents on an ad-hoc basis – although, as any of the players will tell you, the road trips are a lot of fun! Highlights of the season include games against CAFL teams the Ashburton Eagles in Timaru (in absolutely diabolical conditions), and the second annual MacKenzie Shield match against the Christchurch Bulldogs in Fairlie. Thanks to Adrian Young from the Eagles, and Lachlan Keating & Steve Langridge from the Bulldogs for making these games happen!

A combination of factors made Otago’s participation at this years NPC impractical, not least of which is the timing – as a team overwhelmingly consisting students, the Labour Day weekend is just far too close to end-of-year university exams for most of our guys to consider taking several days off last-minute cramming.

It has also been pleasing to become officially incorporated, hold a well-attended grand final function, and have a visit from AFL NZ CEO Robert Vanstam. KiwiKick sessions have been held at local schools, and Otago Boys High School have played two games against the Riot and intend to enter the Hawks Cup.

I wish all the teams good luck at the Nationals, but as an ex-Wellingtonian in both origin and as a player, I retain a strong bias. Go Tigers!