World Footy News

In an interesting article, Wellington's Dominion Post discusses further the drive for AFL to be played in Wellington. In an article that picks up on many aspects already covered in WFN articles it also highlights some of the rules of the game for the uninitiated and looks at the game as a prospective professional career through the eyes of Oceania and Wellington U16 Rep Kade Riddell and through Wellington's AFLNZ Development Manager James Terry.

The idea continues to develop and for more on this topic read the article.

AFL Canada is the recognized representative organization of Australian Football in Canada and is seeking to fill the Head Coaching position for Canada Northwind, the national representative team for Australian Football. Applications are due no later than June 1, 2012. 

The Greater Western Sydney GIANTS today confirmed that injured forward Setanta O’hAilpin has decided to have a traditional knee reconstruction to treat his ruptured anterior cruciate ligament. O’hAilpin will undergo surgery early next week and this unfortunately will rule him out for the remainder for the 2012 season.

General Manager of Football Graeme Allan said O’hAilpin’s injury was a blow for the club. “It is a cruel blow for Setanta after just one game with the GIANTS and we wish him all the best with his recovery,” he said. “He has been a great influence on our young playing list since he joined the club and we look forward to his continued presence around the club over the rest of this season as he undergoes rehabilitation.”

Setanta O'hAilpin returned to the AFL debuting yesterday with the GWS Giants against his old club Carlton. The video below shows a great reverse torpedo goal from Setanta, but the joy of his return to footy was short lived as he injured his knee. Early reports suggest that he may miss the rest of the season.

With the new AFL season well underway, this weekend on the other side of the globe, the AFL Ontario’s 2012 season begins. Considered as one of the premier and largest leagues outside Australia, 2012 is shaping up to be an intriguing season with all 10 teams a chance to win the flag.

During the off season the AFL Ontario (AFLO) has being working hard to make 2012 their biggest and best seasons to date.
 

MEDIA RELEASE FROM THE AUSTRALIAN FOOTBALL LEAGUE

A couple of years ago an April Fool's day article mooted that the AFL would insert technology into the football. Now in the media release from the AFL today it is set to become reality.

The AFL today released details of an unprecedented research project involving the in-depth analysis of the footballs used across all levels of the game. For the first time in the AFL’s history, a research study will evaluate the performance characteristics of Australian footballs and assess potential innovations that may further develop the game.

The AFL in conjunction with Victoria University’s Institute of Sport, Exercise and Active Living (ISEAL) will be working closely with stakeholders across the industry, including the support of all Australian football manufacturers, as part of this project. Andrew Dillon, AFL General Manager – National and International Development, said that the football was such an integral and unique part of the game that it deserved a careful assessment to ensure quality, consistency and affordability into the future.

 

Please note that these details are correct at the time of publishing. WFN accepts no responsibility for any changes to these times by broadcasters. Please check local guides or afl.com.au.

2012 TOYOTA AFL PREMIERSHIP SEASON – ROUND 5 INTERNATIONAL BROADCAST SCHEDULE Friday 4 May – Sunday 6 May

 

Hayley Robinson from the AFL Umpires Association has been awarded the 2012 Jill Lindsay Scholarship. Robinson has been the Administration Co-ordinator at the AFLUA since completing an AFL Sports Ready traineeship in 2008. Since then she has managed office operations, general correspondence, the AFLUA member benefits programme, and co-ordinated events.

Robinson said that though winning the scholarship was totally unexpected for her, she was thrilled to that the opportunity to continue her studies.

The Montreal Angels hosted New York Magpies and Boston Lady Demons teams over the weekend, winning both their games. This Angels TV clip shows us what women's footy in Quebec looks like.

A nice write up of the tournament written by Stephanie Holt can also be found on The Footy Almanac website. 

 

The Vietnam Swans have defeated the China Reds in a hard fought contest in the third instalment of the ANZAC Friendship Match in Vietnam.

The match was played in warm conditions in Vung Tau, where the Australian Army was based during the Vietnam War, with many footy matches played by troops on the Lord Mayor’s Oval between 1966 and 1971. The ground has since become a greyhound-racing track, but remains a fitting location to hold the ANZAC event.

The event has already become the most important fixture on the Vietnamese football calendar.

Each player wore a black armband on either arm to remember and symbolise the loss suffered by all, to celebrate the present and to look forward to the future.

A Legends and All Stars match preceded the main event, which allowed for those who were not playing for the Swans to don a jumper and have a fun kick of the Sherrin.