World Footy News

The last week of September in Melbourne in particular saw most footy attention aimed squarely at the knee of Stevie J and the groin, or rather abductor, of Darren Jolly. In fairness, the partnering of the AFL and Federal Govt in launching a PNG AFL taskforce to expand Australian football in the region isn’t really core news for the regular AFL media.

During the week, with the gradual building up of expectation for the fortunes of Geelong and Collingwood at the ‘G on the first Saturday in October, it’s little wonder then that the simultaneous announcements of the AFL and MP the Hon Richard Marles failed to raise much of a profile.

The members of the Taskforce will include Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Affairs, the Hon Richard Marles MP, PNG-born and triple premiership player Mal Michael, DFAT representative (and former Richmond player) Ray Hall, as well as the AFL International Development Manager Tony Woods, AFL PNG Chairman Scott Reid, plus key PNG government and business representatives and AusAID representatives. Mr Marles and PNG Foreign Minister Mr Ano Pala will act as co-chairmans.

The first Taskforce meeting is scheduled for late October in Port Moresby, which will coincide with the PNG junior national titles.

The scope of the taskforce is quoted :

The Taskforce will look at all facets of the game including the implementation of development programs, football programs to assist with social issues, an elite player pathway with an expanded Academy program and the possibility of a PNG representative team playing on a weekly basis in an Australian football competition. Recommendations will be made by the Taskforce with a view to partnership programs in the coming years.

Mr Marles stated "We know PNG is a sports-loving nation and this taskforce is an important step in the development of a game much-loved in Australia but less-developed in PNG; Importantly, it follows last month's signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Australian Government and the AFL which recognises the strength of collaboration in developing the game's export potential."

Mal Michael reminded of his prediction, “Back in 2002 I said there will be more players from PNG that are able to play at the highest level and with the support of the Taskforce I don’t think this is too far away from being a reality. I know the positive impact Australian football can have on both individuals and communities and I look forward to offering (the) same opportunities that I had,”.

AFL International Development Manager Tony Woods said the Taskforce will engage with footballers throughout Papua New Guinea.

Followers of WFN are well aware of good numbers regarding participants in PNG. The media release quotes more than 27,000 participants currently playing the game. Tony Woods hopes that the network of programs that will evolve from this taskforce will boost the number and will provide “…far reaching benefits for communities, there will be opportunities for elite players to pursue their football”.

The media release lists nine current Papua New Guineas players who are on AFL International Scholarships:

Donald Barry – Brisbane Lions
Brendan Beno – Brisbane Lions
Ezra Kautu – Brisbane Lions
Peter Labi – Carlton
Max Lavai – Essendon
David Meli – Essendon
Theo Gavuri – GWS Giants
Nathan Malbak – Richmond
Gideon Simon – Richmond

PNG of course recently contested its 4th International Cup Grand Final, alas going down in a spirited match to Ireland. The PNG Flames Women’s team debuted in the inaugural AFL IC Women’s Division. Along with a core of talent from the Port Moresby De La Salle based AFL PNG Academy, the PNG juniors were too strong for the challengers in last December’s Oceania Under 16s tournament. Despite the disappointment of Donald Barry being (rookie) delisted at Brisbane, the recent AFL IC did see 17 year old Brendan Beno invited to play a match with the Brisbane Lions reserves (in the NEAFL).

The footy credentials of PNG are pretty clear. The future is looking brighter.

PNG's Brendan Beno kicking for goal