World Footy News

AFL PNG star graduate Gideon Simon will wear number 50 in 2013 at Richmond, and in early club training has made a good impression already.

Simon has progressed through the AFL PNG Coca Cola talent pathway, including the Under 16 Binatangs, the South Pacific squad and the AFL PNG Academy in Port Moresby. He was identified early and signed by Richmond as an international scholarship player a couple of years ago, and in October this year attended the AFL draft camp, along with other international scholarship players Brendan Beno (PNG - Bris) and Yoshi Harris (Nauru - GWS). It was at this time that Richmond announced that he was to be listed as a full international rookie - a path previously trod by many an Irish hopeful and a Canadian named Pyke.

The following is a press release from AFL PNG.

PRESS RELEASE

Richmond Coach praises AFL PNG Academy product’s work ethic at Cairns training camp.

AFL PNG Coca-Cola Academy product Gideon Simon continues to impress after joining AFL Club Richmond Tigers on a full-time basis for 2013. Simon arrived in Melbourne 3 weeks ago to begin full preseason training, and has spent the last 9 days in Far North Queensland on a training camp. The players, coaches and fitness staff flew to Cairns on November 26th for an intense camp of football, fitness and character-building training. Combining genuine football skill training along with fitness conditions in the heat and humidity of Queensland was the purpose of this year’s camp. Simon joined his teammates and impressed with his skill and work ethic on the track. The team then split into teams for an “Amazing Race” style 3-day adventure.

“Gideon obviously has a lot of natural football talent and that was the 1st thing I saw a few years ago”, said Richmond Football Club Recruiting Officer Matt Clarke. “But what stands out about Gideon, is his work ethic and ability to push himself when he going gets tough. He is a much-liked player in the group, and by the coaches. And our fitness staff is really impressed with his attitude and professional behaviour. The grounding the Academy gave him has stood him in good stead.”

Richmond Coach Damien Hardwick's believes the foundation building block to a successful side is strong character. Hardwick said that: “Gideon rates highly in this area and that is why I was keen to give the boy a chance. We think that with his work ethic and physical approach to the game, he is a real chance to make it.”

Simon, originally from Mt. Hagen, and 25 other young hopefuls from around the country have spent the last two years at the AFL PNG Coca-Cola Academy based at Bomana De La Salle College in Port Moresby. Bomana De La Salle school teacher, and AFL PNG Academy coach Nathan Napkai was very proud of Simon’s achievements so far. He said, “ Gideon is the ultimate professional. He did everything right whilst he was in the program at the school, and he now has the chance to cement his spot as a full-time professional footballer.

Simon is the only player in the 150 plus years of AFL to make a senior rookie list having developed his skills outside of Australia.

For further information please contact:
Murray Bird
GENERAL MANAGER
Office 15 Ori Lavi Haus, Turumu Street Boroko NCD.
PO Box 1039 Port Moresby NCD. PAPUA NEW GUINEA
P: +675 3254943 |F: +675 3254943 |M: +675 7281 4050
E: management@afl-png.com |W: www.afl-png.com