World Footy News

Withdrawals through injury, weddings, expectant births and perhaps some long season burnout have changed the character of this year's Australian team for the International Rules series. But maybe that will actually give the Aussies an edge.

The General Manager of Game Development at the AFL, David Matthews, will attend the Pratt Industries 2004 USAFL National Championships.

As part of a general site refinement, administration wishes to announce that the Clubs Forming topic has been removed and all stories moved to their respective geographic locations.

The Munich Kangaroos defeated the Düsseldorf Lions by 17 points in the final of the Oktoberfest Cup on October 2nd, with a combined Hamburg/Copenhagen side dubbed the \'Northern Alliance\' edging out 2004 AFLG premiers the Frankfurt Redbacks for fourth.

International Rules Football - it is a long and impressive sounding name, but so far few outside of Ireland and Australia would know it referred to the hybrid Aussie/Gaelic game played each October between the elite of the AFL and the GAA. Yet how many Aussies and Irish would know that (not withstanding the annual under 17s matches) it is not just the 24 official October Tests that have seen the tackle and mark with an O'Neills Gaelic ball? And that playing fields have been graced with the curious sight of 4 posts, cross-bar and nets, not just in Croke Pk or the MCG, but in fields across North America, Germany and Asia?

The success of the Tonga Australian Football Association boot orphanage is set to continue, with shipping company Pacific Forum Line (PFL) agreeing to sponsor the program.

For international leagues, getting exposure in their own country is not their only short term goal. They also seek coverage in Australia, as that can have many benefits, such as greater awareness in Australia of international footy, which will ultimately lead to the International Cup becoming a more prestigious event. Recently Canadian Aussie Rules was featured on Australian Channel 9's Today show.

Galway, on the west coast of Ireland, is a city with a proud sporting tradition in Gaelic football and hurling. It is also a great place to visit, and after some months spent listening to suggestions from his Dublin Demons teammates that they tour to Galway (particularly from Aussies on the team keen for a night out), Diarmiud O\'Riain decided it was time to look into seriously founding a club in the City of Tribes.

Hashem Ouaida recently returned to Melbourne following one year of hard work bringing the Australian native code to his ancestral homeland of Lebanon. His efforts also helped start up a Melbourne Lebanese community football organisation which fielded a side in this year's Multicultural Cup and has started a Sunday social competition.

World Footy News recently caught up with Ouaida to talk about their progress.

worldfootynews.com wishes to announce there has been a small restructure in staff, to better balance resources and interests. Of course we would all like to cover all regions, such is our love of football, but time does not permit any of us that luxury. The new details follow.

The Irish squad for the International Rules controversially includes both O'hAilpin brothers - Setanta who is currently on Carlton's list in the AFL, but also big brother Sean Og.

The two Toronto based clubs are through to the 2004 Ontario Australian Football League Grand Final on Saturday October 2nd at Humber North.