Checkout this highlights package from the Ottawa Swans 2013 season with the men's and women's teams in action.

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Hawthorn and AFLNZ have again been running talent scouting camps in NZ continuing to grow on the work done in the past few years.

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Sean Hurley is on trial with the Fremantle Football Club and trying to win an International Rookie spot on the Docker's list for the 2014 season. He speaks of his first day of training in the Aussie sun.

Hurley attended the 2012 National Draft Combine in Melbourne.

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The Calgary Kangaroos have wrapped up their 2013 season almost snatching the US National championship title along the way (going down to the Austin Crows by one point).  The following video contains some captured highlights of their season.

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Unless you were watching closely you might wonder "What happened to Tommy Walsh this year?". In the following video the Sydney Swans website reviews the Irish import's season.

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The 19 year old Kenyan born Sudanese youth drafted by the Sydney Swans last night may need to have a globe (or perhaps Google Earth) handy when he tells his grandchildren his life story. He was born in Kenya (1994) in a refugee camp after his family fled war ravaged Sudan.  The family came to Australia in 2003. 

We first heard of Aliir Aliir in 2010 when he was selected in the World XVIII team - he was living in Queensland and was identified as a talented footy youngster with a good leap and great skills.  He was regularly found on the lists of goal kickers and best players in junior footy for Apsley Hornets in Qld.

 In 2011 he returned to the World XVIII team and captained the team in their first win against an Indigenous Under 15 team ahead of the National Under 16 Championships.  The World team went on to beat the Northern Territory and the South Pacific team that year and also went down to Qld by just three goals.   

When 2012 came around he found himself in the Queensland Under 18 team and playing with Apsley in the NEAFL and was an outside chance to be drafted.  He attended the 2012 Draft Combine and looked likely to end up on an AFL club list.  But after no AFL clubs took a chance on him, he moved with his mother to Perth.

This year he has been playing with East Fremantle as a tall defender and his skills, in particular the view that he almost always is able to keep his feet saw him again as a possible draft chance.  He attended the National Draft combine in Melbourne last month and was rated as a strong chance going into the National Draft held on the Gold Coast last night.

With pick 44 the Swans gave Aliir Aliir yet another new home, lets hope his story in the harbour city turns out to be a long and fruitful one.  While he has the globe out he may want to point out the homes of some of his Sydney team mates including Canada, USA and Ireland. ...

Jason Lassey of Bigfooty Media interviews the USAFL's new President Dennis Ryan.

You can read the text version of the interview here. ...

Earlier in 2013 World Footy News published a story about the fledgling Irish club, the UCC Bombers from Cork. Since that time, the Bombers have continued to develop and improve.  The culmination of this could be seen in their recent narrow loss to the Leeside Lions in a friendly match where they went down 12 5 77 to 10 8 68. But before that, the UCC Bombers had the honor of winning the inaugural Fitzpatrick Cup in Dublin to create a piece of their own history. Below is an account of the games.

UCC Aussie Rules club (UCC Bombers) recently entered the inaugural AFL Europe accredited Fitzpatrick Cup cup at Islandbridge, Dublin. The four competing clubs were Northern Regional College(NRC), University College Cork (UCC), Dublin City University (DCU) and the oldest AFL team outside Australia, Oxford University. UCC were drawn to play DCU in the opening preliminary final, with Oxford University going head to head with NRC in the other. Prior to ball-up AFL Commission Chairman, Mike Fitzpatrick, whom the tournament is named after, kicked off proceedings at the Opening Ceremony, recalling stories from his time spent at St John’s College and his association with the Oxford University football club. “I am very humbled that this great tournament is being held in my honour”, stated Fitzpatrick. “I look forward to seeing some potential AFL stars take the field today.” Also in attendance was AFL Europe Chairman, Chris Dow who addressed the special guests ahead of the knockout tournament. “This is an historic day for AFL in Europe and each participating club”, he said.

The matches got underway just before midday, with a fiery encounter between UCC and DCU. UCC travelled with a good squad of players which were primed for football after 6 weeks of hard work with club coach Eoin O’Sullivan. For the majority of the playing group this was their first game, with only a handful having previously experienced AFL action. PJ O’Brien led the team out as captain and after some strong words of encouragement from team manager Danny O’Brien the Bombers were ready to go.

UCC Vs DCU

With all the build up out the window the game got underway as UCC ruckman Ian Silke went head to head with his DCU counterpart. It proved to be an interesting contest with both giving it their all as Silke more than held his own early on. DCU made the brighter start but after some good work from the half back line consisting of Mark O’Brien, Peter Traynor and Teddy Hartigan UCC began to find their feet. The fullback line of PJ O’Brien and Kian McCarthy were giving no change either as they made early clearances thwarting DCU attacks. The midfield began to take control midway through the first quarter with John O’Keeffe, Kevin O’Leary and Mike O’Riordan picking up some good touches and feeding the ball into the forward line. The half forward line of Fergal Lalor, Dan Gallagher and Muiris Bartley were always dangerous with plenty of hard running while tall forward Diarmuid O’Sullivan was causing DCU untold problems as he made some spectacular marks in the opening half. David Higgins was lively also in the forward pocket role assisting the forward line very well. After the opening two quarters UCC led 3.4(22) to DCU 1.2(9). Majors in that half were kicked by Muiris Bartley (2) and Ian Silke.

UCC began the third quarter very strongly and really came into their own, as Sean Coleman and Cormac McDonagh entered the fray in the forward line. Both grabbed fine goals due to some good work in the middle, with Tom Rohan and Mike O’Riordan especially lifting their work rate. DCU were visibly tiring under the sustained pressure from UCC but managed to tag on a goal and a couple of behinds just before the 3 quarter time siren. The fourth quarter was about UCC seeing the job through as Danny O’Brien and Eoin O’Sullivan used the rolling interchange bench wisely with Oisin Collins, Matt Bell and Ger O’Sullivan coming on to great effect in the forwards. Dean Crowley came on at half back flank and made some bulldozing runs while disposing the footy to maximum effect. Ronan Sheehan and Stephen O’Connor also played well in the backline when called upon. Other players who made significant contributions when called upon were Luke Bradley, Luke Gibbons, Ian O’Brien, Joe Maguire, Michael Maher, Ronan Murphy and Ciaran Doyle.

 The final siren sounded with UCC running out deserved winners on a scoreline of UCC 8.6 (54) DCU 4.7 (31).

Stats:

Goals:                         Muiris Bartley (2), Cormac McDonagh (2), David Higgins (1), Ian Silke (1), Sean Coleman (1),Diarmuid O’Sullivan(1).

Best(top 5):                  Ian Silke, Kevin O’Leary, Peter Traynor, Mike O’Riordan,   Muiris Bartley.

Best on ground: Ian Silke

Fitzpatrick Cup Final – UCC vs Oxford University

After defeating DCU, UCC were handed the task of playing Oxford University in the Fitzpatick Cup final after they had defeated NRC. The Bombers were under no illusions of the task at hand as competing against the oldest established club outside of Australia with their team compromised primarily of Australian nationals.

UCC were ready for action though and as soon as the ball hit the deck in the first quarter they were all over it. Mike O’Riordan took up where he left off in the previous game putting in some huge hits and disposing the ball well out of the middle. O’Leary, O’Keeffe and Silke were dominating the exchanges in the middle early on as UCC’s fierce desire for the football came to the fore. Even with the rain bucketing down the intensity level didn’t drop as each tackle, mark and score was met with a rapturous roar of approval from every UCC player and supporter. Cormac McDonagh, David Higgins and big full forward Diarmuid O’Sullivan were fantastic throughout as McDonagh’s eye for goal really shone through. Sean Coleman was finding his radar also along with key forward Muiris Bartley. At the end of the first 20minute half UCC led by 3.7(25) to Oxford University 1.2(8).

The second half of this encounter was more physical as Oxford attempted to force their way back into proceedings. This was met again by fierce determination as the UCC players stood tall turning over possession in key areas. Dan Gallagher was seeing more of the ball and was aided well by Fergal Lalor and the impressive Ger O’Sullivan. Higgins and McDonagh were flying in the inside forward line. The back line was outstanding led by passionate leadership from Captain PJ O’Brien. Having only played their first ever game in the match previous McCarthy and Traynor were fantastic showing real composure in the wet conditions. Each player when called upon put their bodies on the line for the team and that desire and commitment was rewarded when the final siren sounded. UCC had completed a marvelous victory over tournament favorites Oxford University on a scoreline of UCC 7.11 (53) Oxford 3.4 (22). The celebrations were a joy to behold as AFL Europe chairman Chris Dow presented the inaugural Mike Fitzpatrick cup to UCC captain P.J. O’Brien.

It was a fantastic weekend for the UCC Bombers club, as only set up in 2012 and to have made such great strides is a testament to the players and management. As there are too many to mention the club would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped make the day what it was, with a special mention going to the AFL Europe, ARFLI and UCC Sports Department for their continued support. There will be a medal presentation in the UCC New Bar in early December to commemorate our fantastic achievement and the efforts of each player. Details will be sent out on social media and via email once it has been confirmed.

Fitzpatrick Cup final (Stats):

Goals:                         Muiris Bartley (3),Cormac Mac Donagh (2), Sean Coleman (2)

Best(Top5):                 Mike O'Riordan, Ian Silke, Cormac MacDonagh, Sean Coleman, Kian McCarthy

Best on ground in the final:         Mike O’Riordan

UCC Player of the tournament:   Mike O’Riordan

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The AFL today announced the locations for the 2013/2014 Australia Post AFL Community Camps, with Greater Western Sydney Giants to kick off the first camp in Canberra on December 2.

The Australia Post AFL Community Camps will see more than 800 AFL players take the game to regional and rural communities across Australia, as well as overseas again when St Kilda Football Club visits Wellington, New Zealand in February 2013. 

AFL General Manager People, Customer and Community Dorothy Hisgrove said fans of all ages across the country will have the chance to meet their AFL heroes, in the lead up to the 2014 Toyota AFL Premiership Season.

“The Australia Post AFL Community Camps are about taking Australia’s game to regional and rural communities and providing fans with opportunities to meet and interact with their favourite AFL players and clubs.

“The AFL stars will carry out training sessions and visit schools, local football clubs, post offices, nursing homes and hospitals, to bring together individuals and communities, while promoting healthy lifestyles and participation.”

Australia Post General Manager Community Relations, Andrea Pearman believes the Australia Post AFL Community Camps play an important role in the communities they visit.

“The role of sport in building thriving communities cannot be underestimated.  Playing, watching or supporting sport can be an activity where all people are welcome as they come together and share a common passion”

“Through the Australia Post AFL Community Camps we are happy to help provide access to our national game to communities and individuals who may not otherwise have the opportunity enjoy all the AFL and its clubs have to offer.”

 2013/2014 Australia Post AFL Community Camp location & surrounds

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With Wednesdays’ AFL rookie draft the international focus of AFL clubs continues to expand. The formalisation of American recruits Jason Holmes (StKilda) and Patrick Mitchell (Sydney) along with Irish pair Ciaran Sheehan and Ciaran Byrne (both to Carlton) are the more traditional speculative ‘code conversion’ pathways for international recruiting typified in the past by names such as Stynes, Wight, Kennelly, Pyke, Tuohy, and Wallace.. Of more interest to Australian Football pathways overseas are the pair of Kiwis in Kurt Heatherley and Shem Tatupu. Both from New Zealand and both have been developing as juniors and have participated in the junior pathways for both New Zealand and regionally for the South Pacific squad. As it is – the first list lodgement occurred in late October and Hawthorn nominated the pair then so there was no real surprise today – however, it is the formalisation of the process and the next phase can begin and in most cases continue for all of these players.
See below for an overview of the 6 internationals.

Jason Holmes (USA) – To : St Kilda; Background : college basketball; From : Chicago H : 203 cm, W : 104 kg, likely position : ruck Notes : Aged 23, was identified at LA combine in April. Along with Mitchell and Mark Cisco he spent 3 weeks at the Sydney Swans Academy under Paul Roos. His 97 cm vertical leap is 4 cm shy of record holder Nic Naitanui. He stated he first came across Australian Football via cable tv about 6 years ago. Having also played soccer, baseball and punting in Grid Iron he feels he found some of the skills easier to pick up than had he been a pure basketballer. Of note too his older brother Andre plays with the Oakland Raiders in the NFL.

Patrick Mitchell (USA) – To : Sydney; Background : college basketball; From : Des Moines, Iowa. H : 201cm, W : 108 kg, likely position : ruck Notes : Officially arrived already at the Swans, joining in with the 1st-3rd year players in pre-season training from last Monday Nov 18. After being identified by the Swans – whom he impressed with his work ethic and athleticism - he was offered an international rookie position back in August. Since then he has called upon the services of local Des Moines Roosters AFL club to help develop his kicking skills in particular. At 24, he played basketball for the University of North Dakota. Obviously the Swans have a partial blue print for success with Mike Pyke.

Ciaran Sheehan (Ire) – To : Carlton; Background : Gaelic and IR; From : County Cork H : 188 cm, W : N/A, likely position : forward Notes : Joins Carlton on a 2 year deal. Described as skilled on both feet and a powerful, balanced runner. Previously trained with Carlton in 2009.

Kurt Heatherley (NZ) – To : Hawthorn; From : Bay of Plenty : Background : Basketball (also cricket, rugby and athletics); From : NZ H : 192 cm, W : 95 kg, likely position : defenderNotes : On the radar since 2009 as a 16 year old. Has come through the South Pacific ranks and was signed by Hawthorn on an International Scholarship. Moved to Australia and has played football through (while boarding at) Caulfield Grammar and TAC Cup with Sandringham Dragons. Much of 2013 on the sidelines recovering from hip surgery. As reported earlier this year in the Age Kurt has covered a bit of ground already in his development. However he was first spotted by Hawthorn playing basketball in Tasmania. He has been a Kiwi U-14 basketball captain, and was also part of the Waikato U-14 Rugby side. Last year he came 2nd in an AFL draft camp for the 20m sprint at 2.84s.

Ciaran Byrne (Ire) – To : Carlton; Background : Gaelic and IR; From : County Louth H : 187 cm, W : N/A, likely position : midfieldNotes : Spotted in 2011 in Limerick and since had 2 training stints at Carlton. Reportedly driven to emulate the feats of new teammate Zach Tuohy.

Shem-Kalvin Tatupu (NZ) – To : Hawthorn; Background : Rugby Union; From : Auckland H : 197 cm, W : 105 kg, likely position : ruckNotes : Like Heatherley was signed by Hawthorn to an international scholarship but unlike Heatherley remained in NZ. Has been developing under the AFLNZ structures along with visits to Melbourne. Played briefly this year at TAC Cup side Oakleigh Chargers for their Development team. He played 3 games at Oakleigh and also played with the Box Hill side in the VFL Development League. His bloodlines include his father who is a former NZ Auckland Warriors Rugby League player (Tony – also represented Samoa at 2 RLWCs).

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Hawthorn FC reported back in October that Heatherley was to join in pre-season training with the 1st-4th year players from Nov 18. Meanwhile Tatupu was due to begin this week (Nov 25) due to school commitments back at St Peters College in Mt Eden, Auckland. At St Peters Tatupu has featured in the first XV Union side, but, despite his fathers RL background – League was never a serious option despite interest from the Warriors in him joining their junior system. Ironically it was an AFL tournament when back at Kelston Boys High in 2009 that help lure Tatupu along with a KiwiKick T-shirt and a miniature Sherrin footy. Kelston won the tournament and Tatupu impressed enough to make the NZ U16s to play in the Oceania (South Pacific) cup. ...

The Danish AFL has a proud history of Australian football now dating back over 20 years. The DAFL has played host to the likes of Jimmy Bartel and Brett Kirk either on or off the field. However – rarely does the DAFL or Australian Football grab the attention of the Danish public – a shame given the obvious Australian links via Princess Mary.

It was somewhat surprising then that the AFL’s number draft pick Tom Boyd made the news in Denmark.

With a Danish born mother Tom Boyd would qualify to line up for the DAFL in the International Cup were the eligibility criteria more in line with the World Cups events of most other codes. The GWS Giants under Kevin Sheedy has touched the DAFL directly previously by signing the DAFL’s Aksel Bang on an international scholarship in February this year. See Aksel from earlier in the year on GWS website during his time in Australia while on break from national service.

For Boyd – the day after being drafted he was featured on the front page of Denmarks’ highest circulation newspaper mx (reported on the GWS report as having approx 500,00 daily readers and 250,000 online views). The Danish story can be seen (and perhaps roughly translated) here and the Giants websites story The Prince of Denmark.

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HAWTHORN upgraded Shem Tatupu and Kurt Heatherley to their full rookie list. Now it will only take consistent form and a long term injury (to a current Hawthorn player so they can be elevated onto the senior list for either of the boys to make their AFL debut.

Tatupu has only played about 20 games of Australian Rules, and spent the year finishing school in Auckland, but at the age of 17 he has convinced the Hawks he can make it at AFL level. The 196cm, 102kg key forward was one of two New Zealand international scholarship holders welcomed on to the club’s playing squad when he and athletic 193cm defender Kurt Heatherley were taken in the AFL rookie draft.

Tatupu has altready represented New Zealand at senior level, playing for the New Zealand Hawks against the AIS AFL Academy in early 2013. Recruiting chief Graham Wright first spotted Tatupu as a 14-year-old, noting his unique mix of speed, height and power, that made him a weapon on the rugby league field. ”He has played rugby all the way through, so he tackles well and he is pretty aggressive,” Wright said. “And as you can imagine with a young lad that size, there is plenty of power behind those tackles.”

Those are the skills he has from his upbringing but pleasingly Tatupu has continued to improve his football skills – improving his kicking and marking – which has fuelled Hawthorn’s confidence its international investment will pay off.

“He kicks the ball really well, on both feet, and he has a pretty good technique,” Wright said. “He certainly hasn’t had a problem transferring in that side of the game, and that is probably the hardest part. “It’s more the game sense that he needs to work on. “But he is not even 18 yet, so we will give him plenty of time and hopefully over the next two or three years he will come on.”

Tatupu has played the occasional game for Oakleigh in the TAC Cup, relishing the challenge. Heatherley is a quick and agile rebounding defender who was thought to be a top-20 draft pick, had the Hawks not already taken him off the free market five years ago. He has spent considerable time playing for Caulfield Grammar.

For more:- http://aflnz.co.nz/tatupu-and-heatherley-flying-high-with-the-hawks

Interview on Radio Australia:- http://mpegmedia.abc.net.au/ra/MOD/RA_Podcast/PAB_PACAFL_20131202.mp3

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The following is a press release for AFL Northern Territory released originally earlier this year. In subsequent months the Sprofila product has undergone enhancements and funding changes, hence the delayed article. The program itself is worthy of note as it will certainly revolutionise many aspects of remote region football Australia and world wide.

At last, Aussie Rules football clubs, players and fans in the Territory will have access to a dedicated, free, online social media and communication platform - www.footysprofila.com.

In partnership with the AFLNT, Footy Sprofila is now available for the NTFL, the first league in Australia to access the new innovative platform.

Brad Stewart, AFLNT Sponsorship and Marketing Manager said, “For the first time grassroots footy communities, clubs, players and coaches across the Territory will have a secure, online platform, dedicated to their needs and to developing grassroots Aussie Rules football.”

“Footy Sprofila provides the platform to extend and modernise how football communities in the Territory communicate, coordinate activities, conduct their business, recruit personnel and have two way communications with their members, fans and supporters,” Mr Stewart said.

Sam Collins Footy Sprofila CEO said, “The team at Footy Sprofila are very excited to have formed this partnership with the governing body of Football in the Territory and we look forward to working closely in making the platform widely available to everyone with an involvement in football. “

Mr Collins said that Footy Sprofila has the potential to break down the barriers and challenges when communicating across grassroots footy communities.

“Clubs can set up their own interactive online profile to coordinate social events, build brand awareness or find new players, coaches or medical support.”

“The social networking features enable clubs to improve and promote their social events, while enabling players, members and supporters to maintain their relationships and stay in touch away from the club.”

“Coaches can provide feedback to the whole team or to individual players, discuss game plans, or coordinate activities with the playing group. Medical support staff can provide recovery and rehabilitation advice and respond directly to players, securely and privately,” Mr Collins said.

One of the great features of Footy Sprofila is in career development and recruitment opportunities. “There are a lot of very talented players in the Territory who could benefit from playing at higher levels, our platform enables these players to promote their profile through the wider Australian footballing community.

Footy Sprofila has gone through three years of extensive research and development in order to ensure it is intuitive and simple to use. Clubs can simply claim their profile page and users can connect their profiles easily with Facebook, and other social networking platforms so there is no need to re-enter personal information to get started.

Footy Sprofila is set to unveil their exciting new iOS & Andriod mobile apps on Feb 1 2014 at the AFL coaches conference in Adelaide. “Our mobile app is the final step in making our product truly accessible, members can now be connected to their club anywhere, anytime” said Mr Collins.  

“We encourage anyone involved in footy to make Footy Sprofila work for them and their club, ultimately wide involvement at a grassroots level will make the benefits that Footy Sprofila offers a reality.”

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Following on from his interview with Denis Ryan, Jason Lassey of Bigfooty Media interviews the Al MacGlashan from the Chicago Swans and co-coach of the Austin Crow's Simon Boyce.

You can read the text version of the interview with Simon Boyce here. The interview with Al MacGlashan can be read here here. ...

Masala F.C (located in Noble Park a suburb of  Melbourne, Australia) is currently signing up guys who are either interested in playing casual footy and basically looking to get fit! No prior experience is required- training will be provided. All that's needed is a will to get fit and team spirit. Inbox them on the Facebook page here or email contactus@masalafc.com.au. ...

Canterbury, the current champions, will be keen to use home advantage to retain their title this coming weekend in Christchurch. In 2012 they won their third National Provincial Championship in a row.

With a strong squad in 2013, Canterbury has an excellent chance to beat the other three leagues sending teams.

Auckland, Wellington and Otago will all be competing at the National Provincial Championship. Otago is the newest team at the competition, and could be the surprise package of the weekend. Wellington and Auckland will both be tough to beat, with squads filled with experienced and tough players. Disappointingly Waikato are unable to make this year’s Championships after a number of years competing at this level. 

The success of the AFL New Zealand High Performance programme can be seen on many levels throughout the squads competing at the National Provincial Championships. The hard work of the AFLNZ staff backed by the AFL, Hawthorn, St Kilda and many local funding agencies and councils has seen growth at every level.

Each squad has junior members who have represented New Zealand at age group level, notably in the recent Under 18 New Zealand Hawks series against the Victorian Amateur Football Association. From Wellington, Kade Riddell, Craig Morgan and Waylon Baker were part of that team, and will take the experience into the NPC. Wellington will also be boosted by the presence of Joe Baker-Thomas, a current International Scholarship player with the St Kilda Football Club. They are joined by current senior NZ Hawks in Wellington captain James Terry and Stan Chung with many of the other squad members having played previously at NZ level or been part of training squads. Wellington will field only one Australian - playing coach Jason Wozniak.

Auckland are packed full of international representatives, at both age grade and open grade level. From Siope Ngata, James McKenzie, Taylor Alealua and Gray Samuels who were part of the recent Under 18 New Zealand Hawks, to international veterans like Michael Gregson, Shane Leat and David Rattenbury, Auckland will have a wealth of international experience to draw on.

Local Canterbury players have also been part of New Zealand teams. Young players like Kyle Smith, Alex Frew and Levi Ingliss, will all have the opportunity to continue their development against experienced players, and are expected to acquit themselves well. International players, the incredibly talented James Bowden and Todd Andrews will also boost Canterbury alongside solid performers such as Court, Crighton and Beaumont.

The Otago team, while lacking in international experience relative to their rivals, still feature players who could be among the best at the tournament. Coach Warwick Kain expects all players to pull their weight on the field, and has confidence that the players he selected will show the form that got them into the provincial squad.

Competing in the National Provincial Championship is a requirement for any players who wish to represent New Zealand, and with the International Cup approaching in August 2014, competition for spots will be fierce. The New Zealand Hawks will also play home fixtures next year, against touring teams from the AIS AFL Academy in January, and the South Pacific Invitational XVIII (many of whom this year were NZ juniors) in April.

With the success of AFL New Zealand Secondary School programmes and the AFL New Zealand High Performance programme, the standard of AFL being played in New Zealand is always increasing. The 2013 National Provincial Championships are expected to be some of the highest quality AFL seen in New Zealand.

Squads

Canterbury
Coach; Harry Peterson, Wayne Sullivan (Asst. Coach), Manager: Jason Beck

Wayne Sullivan, Tom Satterthwaite, Levi Inglis, Kyle Smith, Josh Robles-McGill, Sean Butler, Jamie Exeter, Nick Fisher, Steve McCarron, Todd Andrews, James Bowden, Callum McKenzie, Neil deJoux, Paddy Foley, Jacob-Skye Thomson, Chris Murray, Alex Frew, Justin Kent, James Stevenson, Alban Beaumont, Jared Court, Izaak Williams, Matt Crighton, Mitch Harding, Jonny Fisher

Wellington
Coach Jason Wozniak Assistant Coach Mark Langdon Manager Margaret Lavery Captain James Terry

Andrew Eastwood, Blair Mills, Brady Cates, Craig Morgan, Daniel Annand, Jack Green, Jackson Clince, Jalan Farris, James Terry (Captain), Jarrod Burns, Jason Wozniak, Jason Cox, Joseph Baker-Thomas, Joshua Tickelpenny, Kade Riddell, Liam Townsend, Matthew George, Peter Halstead, Ryan Roselli, Sam Sherring, Stanley Chung, Tony Huxford, Waylon Baker

Auckland and Otago full squads not available as yet.

Senior NPC draw
Saturday December 7th 2013
Game 1) 1.00pm Canterbury vs Otago
Game 2) 2.30pm Wellington vs Auckland

Sunday December 8th 2013
Game 3) 9.30am Wellington vs Otago
Game 4) 11.00am Canterbury vs Auckland

12.30 am Lunch
Game 5) 1.30pm Canterbury vs Wellington
Game 6) 3.00pm Otago vs Auckland
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Jason Lassey of Bigfooty Media interviews Sölvi Fannar Sigmarsson.

You can read the text version of the interview here. ...