World Footy News

In two recent interviews either side of the Tasman Hawthorn President Jeff Kennett has urged that future AFL expansion should include a team in New Zealand. Kennett is a former premier of Victoria. With the great things that are happening for International footy with players being listed to AFL Clubs, the juniors getting their chances through either State Championships or Australian Championships, funding of International footy through various means and events such as the International Cup, who is to say it is not a realistic dream?

Perhaps when the AFL next looks to expand the competition, say from 18 to 20 teams, it could be a team from NZ generating the same interest that the Gold Coast has this season and GWS will in 2012. For more see the articles in full here:-

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/jeff-kennett-pushes-for-nz-team/story-e6frf9jf-1226032987046

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10715850

The NZ Herald article includes:

He said the Australian Football League competition had 18 teams and he hoped it would one day include one from New Zealand.

With Maori and Pacific Island players dominating other national codes, he suggested a New Zealand AFL team would give Caucasians the opportunity to play at elite level.

"You get recognition in your major markets that money can't buy for 26 weeks a year."

Six teams play in the Auckland Australian Football League.