World Footy News

Over the last few years we've featured several reports on Aussie X, an initiative in Canada to promote Australian football whilst making a positive social impact.  The latest publicity regarded an appearance on the Canadian version of TV program Dragons' Den.  So what is the primary motivation for Aussie X, is it really impacting Aussie Rules in Canada, what does the future hold and will we see it spreading across the world?  worldfootynews.com talked to founder Emile Studham above this growing project.

The first AFL tournament in Samoa will be held on Saturday 25 of February. AFL Samoa will be holding a competition for village schools across Upolu. Five schools will be competing for the inaugural Aaron Edwards Cup. The competition is named after the one and only Samoan AFL star playing with the North Melbourne Football Club.

Mr Gabel Stathis, development officer for AFL in Samoa is excited about the prospect of bringing the game of AFL to Samoans. “This is an exciting time for Australian football in Samoa as it’s another step forward in the development of the game. It is a game which I think Samoans will excel at because it requires flair, agility and endurance,” Mr Stathis said.

Once again worldfootynew.com is putting out the call for help in covering footy in Asia.

We're looking for someone to write articles on all or part of the region.  It includes the expat-based clubs in some nations through to the League in Japan and the exciting expansion in China.

No prior experience necessary, we can help you out with contacts and ideas.  You just need some basic writing skills, passion for footy and the willingness to spend some time each week developing stories.  The amount you put in is really up to you.

Contact Brett Northey for more information through our About Us - Contact Us page (or click on my name above and follow the links).

Richmond international rookie John Heslin has returned home to Ireland indefinitely. The 19-year-old was selected by the Tigers with pick 90 in the 2011 Rookie Draft, and played in Ireland's winning 2011 International Cup team.

“It’s never easy for young players to relocate to a new country, a long away from their family and friends. John found that transition difficult, and has experienced homesickness,” Richmond FC general manager of football Craig Cameron said.

“We have worked hard to support John and will continue to do so, but we understand his decision to return home at this time.”

With the AFL's recent push into the South Pacific region we've heard less out of South Africa, but development work continues there and recently an Australian School Boy side toured the country.

The All-Australian team (minus South Australia and Tasmania) met in January for a pre-season training camp in Perth before setting off for South Africa.

Samoa has had a mixed modern history in Aussie Rules.  A small band of dedicated volunteers has kept the flame flickering, but at times apparent development perhaps appeared more deep seated than it was with Rugby players taking up the sport in short stints.  These issues came to a head with Samoa's absence from IC11 and the recent Youth Oceania Cup.

Happily we can report that Gable Stathis is in Samoa as an Australian Youth Ambassadors for Development (AYAD) posting, filling the role of AFL Samoa development officer.  One of his successes has been to organise this weekend's MOTOR1 Aaron Edwards Cup.

The tournament is a village schools lightning carnival to be held between six schools from all around Upulo. The competition is a chance to further develop the game in Samoa and locals are welcome to attend as a perfect opportunity to come and see Australia’s great game in Samoa.  Games are on Saturday 25th February 9am to 430pm at Lepa/Lotofaga.  Supported by MOTOR1 Samoa and Sa' Moana Resort.  The weekend will also includes AFL Samoa stalwarts such as Bernie and Ben Woodland arriving for the AGM.

See also AFL Samoa update for our recent update.

AFL PNG is currently advertising the roles of Operations Manager – Senior Football; and Operations Manager – Development. Advertised in PNG’s Post Courier last week – the closing date for applications has been extended a week and now is COB Friday February 24th.

Find below the text of the advertisement :

The AFL Europe has announced its under 23 Legion and open-age Titans squads to take on the AIS/AFL Academy touring squad this Easter,

The Legion are a predominantly under 20 team, with provision for 8 of the 24-man squad to be Under 23. Twelve of the twenty-four members also took the field in 2011's AFL/AIS tour match.

Ben McCormack from the AFL Europe says "We are very excited to have players from Italy, Germany and Finland for the first time. Young Italian Filippo Alloisio was voted as player of the 2011 Euro Cup and now gets his chance to impress on the big stage. The selection of 7 Danish players is a testament to their focus on junior development and the blooding of young talent at IC11."

Peter Schwab, Tadhg Kennelly and Glenn Lovett are involved in coaching the team, along with Swedish National coach Dan McClaer.

The open-age Titans team includes many players with extensive International experience at ICs, Euro Cups and the European Championships. European stalwart Ciaran O'Hara (Ireland) will coach the team, with Troy Pedder (Germany), Armando Colombo (Italy) and Cyril Talon (France) all confirmed as Assistant Coaches.

Full squads and schedule below.

Another Jacko's Challenge from Sharks TV, this time at Glasgow Green, closer to home for the Challenger Steve Thompson.

Thomo is an Aussie who has the pressure of taking on the undefeated Jacko, while Jacko in the same vein has the added pressure of trying to maintain his unbeaten streak.

Video here.

The India Tigers were somewhat of a surprise appearance at the 2011 International Cup. At their international debut at the same tournament three years earlier, the team failed to win a match and upon their return to India, the governing body disbanded. Whilst interest in the sport amongst the players was strong, channelling this interest into structured clubs participating in regular matches would prove impossible in the short term.

The AFL’s decision to again support an Indian squad, without any visible progress between 2008 and 2011 was controversial. Will this support pay off? We explore the progress football is making in India post IC11.

Sharks TV brings to you Jacko's Challenge number two. After the close finish in the last episode the Champ has been keen to get back out and show what he can do but he will be hard pressed. Challenger Martin Bell who viewers voted for in the last poll has been keen to get a shot at the Champ and now is his chance. Martin is a Scotland International player who is footy mad with winning attitude.

Should be a good contest good luck Martin!

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Media and public speculation seem to have forced North Melbourne's hand in detailing reasons for his suspension announced today. The initial tactic of trying to protect Daw by giving almost no details has backfired with forums and news/sports station being innundated by suggestions as to what Daw's actions may have been.

The following statement is a press release from North Melbourne coach Brad Scott;

“Our main focus is to support Majak wholly and we take his welfare very seriously.  The statement we released was generic for a reason, to attempt to protect Majak.  There were no lies told, there was no cover up.  I’m now being forced to clarify that statement because of disappointing rumours and innuendo.