World Footy News

The AFL and Australia Post today released the names of the 22 players who have been selected in the first ever Multicultural Team of Champions.

As part of the AFL's Multicultural Round celebration, the team was announced at a special event held at Crown in Melbourne, attended by AFL Deputy CEO Gillon McLachlan and Australia Post Managing Director and CEO Ahmed Fahour, as well as a number of the selected players.

AFL Legends Jock McHale has been named coach and Alex Jesaulenko has been named captain of the Australia Post AFL Multicultural Team of Champions. The team comprises the period 1896 – 2013 and in order to be considered for selection, players must have been born overseas or have at least one parent born overseas.

AFL Deputy CEO said the Australia Post AFL Multicultural Team of Champions has been chosen to recognise the achievement of players from multicultural backgrounds.

"Congratulations to the past and present players who have been selected in the first ever Multicultural Team of Champions.

"Multicultural players have made an enormous contribution to the history of Australia's game and this team importantly celebrates multicultural talent and diversity in the AFL."

“Among the Multicultural Team of Champions are 12 AFL Hall of Fame inductees, three players who have Legend status, and together 44 AFL Premierships have been won,” said Mr McLachlan.

Speaking at the event today, Ahmed Fahour made the significant announcement that Australia Post and the AFL will be extending its partnership with the AFL to become the exclusive partner of the AFL Multicultural program for an additional four years.

"Australia Post is proud to continue to work with the AFL to build a more tolerant and inclusive society,” said Mr Fahour.

"Our workforce reflects the true diversity of Australia with more than 134 different nationalities working at Australia Post.

“Inclusiveness and diversity are at the heart of both our workforce and the work we do every day across Australia. We believe sport and in particular AFL, is a great way to bring people together in their community through participation and volunteering."

Mr. McLachlan said the AFL is proud to strengthen its partnership with Australia Post.

“Australian football has the extraordinary power to bring people together regardless of their background and Australia Post is an organisation which also values the importance of connecting people and communities, including multicultural communities.”

The Australia Post AFL Multicultural Team of Champions:

B: J. Worsfold (England) S. Silvagni (Italy) M. Scarlett (England)

HB: W. Schwass (New Zealand) G. Jakovich (Croatia) A. Koutoufides (Italy, Greek)

C: R.DiPierdomenico (Italy) I. Stewart (Italy) P. Matera (Italy)

HF: A. Jesaulenko (Ukraine, Russia) N. Riewoldt (Germany) D. Brereton (Ireland)

F: P. Bell (Korea) A. Lynch (England) P. Daicos (Macedonia)

Foll: R. Cazaly (England, Scotland) S. Black (New Zealand) D. Kerr (India)

I/C: A. LA Fontaine (France) C.H. Pannam (Greek) S. Rocca (Italy) J. Stynes (Ireland)

Coach: Jock McHale

Captain: Alex Jesaulenko

Selection panel: AFL Chief Executive Officer Andrew Demetriou, Australia Post Managing Director and CEO Ahmed Fahour, AFL General Manager National and International Development Andrew Dillon, Carlton coach Mick Malthouse, Seven Network commentator Dennis Cometti, AFL National Talent Manager Kevin Sheehan and AFL historian Col Hutchinson.