World Footy News

The drafts were completed and the excitement mounted - the first 'AFLNZ premiership' season is now 2 rounds in.
The first week kicked off after the final additions to squads were made including NZ Hawks players Matt Van Wijk (Waikato) and Sean Butler (Coromandel) both joining the Central Giants.

Round 1 - QBE Stadium (Albany/Auckland)

The round 1 team of the week included somewhat familiar names for followers of NZ footy such as Liam Ackland, James Bowden and David Rattenbury. As team captain, Rattenbury (Giants) was also joined by captains James Kusel (Suns) and Michael Boyce (Saints).

Each week a 'Team of the Week' is selected as well as a rising star.

Rnd 1 rising star:William Warbrick (Western Crows). William is a teenager who was introduced to Australian Football by his Rugby League coach just last August with an eye to the 10 week youth competition late last year. Since October he has been playing AFL having previously had a multi sport background in athletics, Rugby Union and League. In Round 1 he was regarded not just rising star but also player of the day for the Crows.

Round 2 - QBE Stadium