Although worldfootynews.com focuses on leagues and clubs around the world, primarily outside of Australia, it would be remiss of us not to mention that the finals are on for the world's premier Australian Rules league - the AFL.

The Japan Samurai and a South Island New Zealand side have battled it out in a tight contest at Optus Oval in Melbourne, Australia.

Further information on the AFL's international development policy.

World Footy News is aimed primarily at the game outside of Australia, but the expansion of Australian Rules within the country plays an important role in the likely future of the sport.

The origin of Australian Rules football is often speculated on, but there are few definitive answers. It does seem likely that it had many influences in its formative years.

World Footy News has some more information on the All-Australian amateur side that is hoping to travel to Ireland.

A recent interview with the AFL's Ed Biggs reveals their plans for international Australian football and their thoughts on the IAFC.

Australian Rules football has slowly begun to spread around the world, particularly gaining momentum in the last decade. But the development of the game outside of Australia partly depends on the strength of the game within. The sport has a long history in Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory in Australia. This weekend sees the first ever AFL premiership season match played there.

There has been a report that an All-Australian amateur football side may tour Ireland later this year.

Hampden Football League side South Warrnambool (270km west of Melbourne, Australia) boasts an impressive list of youngsters that are currently playing at the highest level. Jonathan Brown, Brent Moloney, Matt Maguire and James Rahilly are all products of the club's successful junior program, which also boasts recent stars Wayne Schwass and Leon Cameron. Could the next South Warrnambool player to step up be an 18-year-old exchange student from Japan?