Australian Rules football countries around the world are in full swing with fundraising activities to get their players to the 2005 International Cup. South Africa recently had a very successful fundraising dinner in Melbourne, with around AU$25,000 raised. The Australian Rules Football League Ireland are also well on the way, as are the Papua New Guinea AFL.

In 2002, countries spent of the order of AU$100,000 each to get their lads to Australia. This has sometimes raised debate as to whether the money could be better spent developing their local leagues. But it is difficult to measure how important a tool the chance to represent your country is in recruiting and keeping players in the sport. The event is also vital in raising awareness in Australia and offers the chance for leagues to build links while they are Down Under. In the end, each country must make a choice.

In another step up in the increasingly professional approach of countries to the 2005 International Cup, the AFL Canada have appointed a former AFL coach to their coaching staff.

As the 2nd International Cup draws closer, the AFL South Africa are trying to raise funds to get their national side to the tournament in Melbourne. Several legends of the game have come together to promote the cause, and the Victorian public can get involved through a dinner to be held next week.

The US Revolution are hoping for a strong showing at the International Cup in August, and one man hoping to give them every chance of bringing home the cup is professional strength and fitness coach Troy Anderson.
World Footy News speaks with Anderson to give some insight into how the Revolution are shaping up.

The biggest Australian Football event in 2005 might be the AFL grand final, or Australia versus Ireland in the International Rules series. But it could be argued that on the world stage, nothing will be bigger for footy than the 2005 International Cup. With very few internationals since the last Cup in 2002, it's a tough job predicting winners, but the World Footy News writers have all put their tips in and the results tallied to give our rankings.

The AFL has officially released a proposed draw for the 2005 International Cup, with each nation to play five pool matches and a playoff match from the 3rd to the 13th of August.

In a new step for international Aussie Rules, one round of matches will be played in country Victoria, promising an interesting opportunity for some exposure.

The schedule also includes a march-past of all teams before the St Kilda vs Geelong match at the Telstra Dome on Friday the 5th of August, and the final to be played at the Collingwood vs Carlton match on the Sunday August 13th.

A few more details of the International Cup plans have become available. The AFL's Ed Biggs has announced a march-past of players and the tournament dinner.

The seedings for the 2005 International Cup have been released. It is to be held in Melbourne in August. The same 11 countries that competed in 2002 are expected to return, plus Spain making their first appearance.

The AFL will host the 2005 International Cup in Melbourne, Australia. It is hoped that all the countries that attended in 2002 will return, and possibly some new ones.