World Footy News

The Oceania Under 16 squad has spent the last 4 days leading up to Easter at St Ignatius College at Riverview in Sydney, playing against the best under age talent in NSW. The week began with great promise with a win on day 1, thereafter, the task proved more challenging.

As the week wore on, the results became more one sided. In the first three games, Oceania had managed a total of 15.20 (110) (granted 210 against). However, the last 3 games produced just a further 1.4 (10).

Day 1

Oceania 7.16. (58) def. Northern Coast 6.6. (42)

Goals : Lucas Sili (Sol Is.) 2, Villiami Langi (Tonga) 2, Aleki Palaiti (Tonga) 2 and Thomas (Junior) Joel (Sol Is.) 1.

AFL Vanuatu reported the best players as: Kurt.Heatherly (NZ), Junior Joel (Sol Is.) , Alipate Kiti (Fiji), Jayden White (NZ), Aiseo To’a (Tonga), Dayne Emms (NZ), Kinivuwai Nanovo (Fiji).

Additionally, Vanuatu’s Robert Toukoune from Erakor Village, the only Vanuatu player in the Oceania side, and despite his young age and small stature, Robert scored two points and impressed coaches and spectators with his determined effort at the ball.

Day 2

South Sydney 16.16 (112)def Oceania 4.2 (26)

Goals for Oceania : Aleki Palaiti (Tonga) 2, Lucas Sili (Sol Is.) 1, Asiea To'a (Tonga) 1

Day 3

Riverina 8.6 (54) defeated Oceania 4.2 (26)

Goal kickers : Robert Toukoune (Vanuatu) 2, Ash Wear (NZ), Asiea To’a (Tonga)

Again, AFL Vanuatu is able to report that Vanuatu’s Robert Toukoune kicked two early goals on day three, but it wasn’t enough as his side lost heavily to strong competitors South Sydney and Canberra.

Robert's form is particularly noteworthy considering that he is only 14 years old playing in an U/16 tournament against much bigger bodies.

Day 4

ACT/South Coast 13.6 (84) defeated Oceania 0.3 (3)

Murray 9.4 (58)defeated Oceania 0.1 (1)

GWS GIANTS 7.5 (47)defeated Oceania 1.0 (6)

Goal for Oceania: Robert Toukoune (Vanuatu)

Goals for Oceania for the tournament
4 Aleki Palaiti (Tonga)
3 Lucas Sili (Sol Is.)
3 Robert Toukoune (Vanuatu)
2 Villiami Langi (Tonga)
2 Asiea To’a (Tonga)
1 Thomas (Junior) Joel (Sol Is.)
1 Ash Wear (NZ)

The AFL NSW/ACT website reports that, “One of the standouts for the team was their captain Kurt Heatherley, who was the first player to sign an international scholarship with Hawthorn in 2009. “

See also that Kurt Heatherley recently played his first game for Caulfield Grammar a couple of weeks ago, a practice match against Ballarat’s Clarendon College. The Hawthorn FC website reported that Heatherley managed a healthy 15 possessions and a handful of goals during his first game for Caulfield Grammar last week.

Vanuatu's pint-sized Robert Toukoune, warming up and pictured with teammates

Images courtesy of AFL Vanuatu.