After many years of dreaming of an AFL match being played in the United States, 2005 was firming as a big chance, as part of Australia Week celebrations in LA. The latest news is that the game looks unlikely.

World Footy News\' inaugural poll has come to a close - with the subject of the first international Australian Rules competition to provide an AFL draftee coming under the microscope.

And the readers\' vote has started some discussion...

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.