World Footy News

A little more of the Pacific region print media coverage of the Oceania Cup Under 16 tournaments nearing its conclusion on Sunday in Tonga. Some further offerings from the Fijian media as well as from PNG.

The professionalism displayed in particular by AFL Fiji, releasing daily press releases has made the job far easier for their ‘home’ press. This has set a standard in the region.

Three players from Vanuatu are competing in the Oceania U16 Championships in Tonga. This video news story is from TBV (Vanuatu's local TV) news and sports show. Footage is of a 'scratch match' in Port Vila on 20th November 2010.

The AFL today said it would proceed with the creation of a state-league based knockout competition from 2011 onwards, which will showcase the quality of state league football across the country.

AFL General Manager National and International Development David Matthews said the AFL was intending to develop a new competition which would invite 16 teams from the various state leagues across the country to play in a knockout competition.

All state league competitions confirmed their interest to the AFL this week in being part of the competition, with invitations to teams within each league based on ladder position and the availability of the club to compete.

Day 4 of the Oceania Cup Tournament currently underway in Tonga has wrapped up, with 3 games played this afternoon. The day started with a combination of AFL combine, clinics and skills sessions.

The afternoon progressed with PNG and Tonga asserting themselves as the two undefeated sides heading into Day 5, with their clash tomorrow likely to be the Grand Final preview.

Whilst the Fijian news outlets have been providing almost wall to wall coverage of their boys in Tonga, back in Australia – there’s been barely a ripple. Today that’s changed with the News Ltd papers carrying features on Karmichael Hunt and Israel Folau.

In 2008 it looked like it would be Collingwood that would be heading to Ireland to play an Irish club in International Rules, but now Melbourne could be the ones to make it happen. All on the back of the famous life and times of the most incredible story in Australian rules footy.

Melbourne’s President Jim Stynes, Brownlow medallist and the most successful convert to our game has had a high profile battle with cancer in recent times. He has managed to do great things for his former club and for so many in the community in Australia.

Building on the success of the 2010 World XVIII team which competed in the NAB AFL under 16 Championships the AFL will again call for nominations for the 2011 squad. The squad will comprise of the best Under 18 talent participating in competitions conducted by International affiliates and will take part in the 2011 NAB AFL under 16 Championships.

The 2010 squad played under the leadership of Head Coach Michael O'Loughlin (ex Sydney Swans & current AIS/AFL High Performance Coach) and his assistants Chris Johnson (ex Brisbane Lions) and Stewart Edge. Players in the squad represented nations including South Africa, United States, Sudan, Canada, England and Ireland.

Scores from Days 1 and 3 of the Oceania Cup Under 16s tournament held in Tonga have now been updated.

Ed: The President's 18 is a side made up of players from other countries who were not able to send a full side, including Samoa and Vanuatu.

Karmichael Hunt spoke to SEN radio in Melbourne today from Tonga. Hunt reflects on his year so far, looks to what is ahead at the SUNS with the Ablett brothers and speaks on Israel Folau's transition. The interview can be heard here.

Australian Football might only be young in Fiji in organised terms, however, the benefit of marketable players such as David Rodan, Alipate Carlile and Nic Naitanui is obvious not just in the coverage of those player when back ‘home’ in Fiji, but, also the Fijian press has jumped right on board with AFL Fiji and the Power Under 16s currently in Tonga. Further press coverage included herein.

When Cuan Whitefoot moved from Zimbabwe to Perth, Australia, as a 12 year old with his parents, victims of the Mugabe land policies, he thought Aussie Rules was a "girl's game". This may come as a surprise as Australian football often battles a stereotype of being too rough for the liking of some parents. But for kids from a Rugby Union or League background the reverse is true.

Nevertheless Whitefoot came to play the game with his new mates and learned to like it, so much so that now, aged 20, he has dedicated himself to winning a spot with West Perth in the West Australian Football League. His story can be read in Aussie rules for ex-pat .

Unfortunately a few plans to kickstart footy in Zimbabwe itself appear to have fallen over, with the last attempt, running under the website name Zimfooty, no longer live. We'd love to hear from the organiser, Larry Ferrier, if he still has hope for the game there in the short to medium term.

AFL Fiji reports that the Fiji Power under 16s, resplendent in their Port Power supplied kit, have kicked off the Oceania Cup in Tonga in fine style with a narrow 8 pt win over Nauru. (4.2.26 def 3.0.18). In blustery conditions at the Tonga College Grounds, Nukualofa, Fiji kicked the first 3 goals of the game for a handy lead before Nauru rallied.

[youtube:2_Jrowled38]