This is part three of the six part USAFL Season Preview Series as we preview the North Central Regional.

This is the continuation of the six part series on the 2014 USAFL Season Preview as we preview the South Central Region.

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When you are over 211cm tall you probably have plenty of squeeze in moments. Be it airline seats, doorways or beds things shorter mortals take for granted take some adjusting to fit as best as possible.

This week Mason Cox has come out from the US to trial with four Melbourne AFL clubs (and interview with Fremantle from Melbourne) squeezing in his trails between his college graduation as an engineer and beginning a career offered by Exxon Mobil back in the US.

Images courtesy AFL Media.

(Full audio of Mason's press conference at AFL House below)

No doubt his keen interest and high skill levels were a factor in the AFL wanting to get Mason down to Melbourne, but of all his "tools" his extreme height puts him up there with the dominant ruck giant of Fremantle, Aaron Sandilands.

Maybe it’s fate, karma, coincidence. Or maybe it’s just two excellent teams dominating for the last two years, but the Toulouse Hawks and Paris Cockerels get the chance to lock horns in the CNFA grand final in France for the second consecutive year. Or, more correctly, the first. The 2012/13 grand final was never played after the Montpellier venue could not be used due to a local authority’s decision.

When Paris could not get to the rescheduled and relocated event, the premiership was handed to the Toulouse Hawks for their maiden flag. Even though the two met later in the year in the French Cup (for a Toulouse win), it still wasn’t the grand final they deserved to play. But the 2013/4 season sees them both back in the grand final for another chance.

The Toulouse Hawks made their way to the June 14th grand final by running out convincing winners over the brave Cergy-Pontoise Coyotes by 136 to 86 at the Stade Corbarieu in Toulouse. For the Hawks the opportunity to chase back to back flags is a reality. The Coyotes were arguably this season’s surprise packet and did extremely well to reach the finals at the highest level for the first time.

The Bordeaux Bombers finished the home and away season in second place and therefore hosted the Paris Cockerels in the other semi-final. In the match played at Stade des Bords Jalles in St Medard en Jalles (Bordeaux), the Cockerels booked the other grand final berth with a hard fought win by 14 points. Final score saw Paris 85 d Bordeaux 71. Bordeaux were unlucky for the second consecutive year to miss out on grand final action, but credit to the Paris team for getting there the harder way beating the Bombers on their home turf.

The grand final will be played on June 14th in Toulouse.

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AFL Papua New Guinea has already established a solid pedigree in International Footy not only in the South Pacific region but also against all comers in the International Cup. And not just the men. The PNG Flames womens squad debuted in 2011 at the Inaugural AFL International Cup Womens division and AFL PNG has announced a squad to return in August this year.

In 2011 the PNG Flames found it tough going - managing a first up win over the Australian Indigenous/multicultural side but falling to Canada's Northern Lights, the USA Freedom and the Irish Freedom. There last match was an improved performance rematched against the USA Freedom at the Western Oval (Royal Park) on the final Friday.

A number of the squad are returning for their second Cup and will be stronger for the experience; including vice captain Lillian Barnabas, Joyce Mettakaisava, Kimberly Dick, Prudence Sindriwen and Sylvia Kotapu. Key players from the campaign also returning are the 2011 PNG leading goal kicker Alang Vinnie Isaac who was selected CHF in the Women's World Team; along with key midfielder Taiva Lavai who was selected on the wing and Jocelyn Tatsie who was selected on the 6 person bench.

AFL PNG is happy to announce the 2014 PNG Flames (women) squad to the International Cup in August:

Emergency List:

For more information, please call the AFL PNG office on 3254943. Squad list for the PNG Mosquitoes (men) to the International Cup will be announced at the end of this week. ...

Francis Ramo and Peter Nuku jetted off earlier this year bound for Queensland (Australia) for a season of footy. As reported in the Solomon Star They were selected for the opportunity on the basis of their commitment and work ethic towards the SIAFL, their talent and their determination to go to Australia. It’s pleasing to see the a couple of months into this adventure that both are doing well playing with the Coolaroo Football Club.

Based in Toowoomba, Ramo (#2) and Nuku (#7) have settled in well with Coolaroo in the AFL Darling Downs competition. Starting the season in 1st division side Peter and Francis both managed a goal each as well as being named in the best during a 170 point romp over Toowoomba in the Round 6 match on May 17. It should be noted in round 4 the 1st div team had a bye and both took the chance to play in the reserves, and featured prominently in a narrow 3 point win against South Burnett – with both being named among the best and Nuku snagging a goal. At 7 rounds the Coolaroo Div 1 side sits third with 3 wins and a draw in a tightly contested mid-ladder battle against South Toowoomba, Highfields and Goondiwindi. Coolaroo are the reigning Div 1 premiers defeating University last season, having previously won the 'A' Grade premiership most recently in 2009.

Francis Ramo (L) and Peter Nuku (R) ...

The year 2014 presents itself as a great opportunity for international teams, and their players, to embrace and be embraced by Australian Rules football clubs across the world. Whilst there are carnivals such as the Euro Cup and the EEAFL throughout Asia which bring those parts of the world closer, it is the year of an International Cup which has the greatest potential to create lasting bonds between teams and players from across the world.

This year’s IC14 in Melbourne will be no exception as national teams, represented by many local clubs within their countries, make the journey to Australia where they will play hard against their opposition on the field, yet build lasting friendships afterwards off the field.

But the IC14 is not the only forum from which this international connection can be forged and strengthened. This year, on July 5th, it is the Sister Cities International Day. This is a day where cities across the world are encouraged to deepen their connection and communication with their “sisters” across the world. Most cities have a connection of this type. An example is my own home town of Cairns.

Here in tropical North Queensland, our own Cairns Regional Council has linked over the years with 7 cities. They are Scottsdale in Arizona (USA), Sidney in British Columbia, Riga in Latvia, Lae in Papua New Guinea, Zhanjiang in China and both Oyama and Minami in Japan. Investigations by those interested would likely unearth “sister cities” across the world linked to their nearest city. It is a wonderful way to start a journey of bringing people together across the world. A tiny step, but a positive one.

My own club in Cairns, Pyramid Power, unashamedly based its existing Brother Clubs Project on the Sister Cities concept. We used it as a means of reaching out through friendship to clubs across the world. Not only do we have over 100 “brothers” across the world, we have also been able to help a number of them in tangible ways, making the idea have a value beyond ticking off a name on a list. We are proud to interact with clubs across the world, and feel closer to that world. The Sister Cities International day would allow for a similar feeling of connection beyond one’s own home.

In the spirit of the coming together of many players and teams from across the world for the IC14, perhaps there is also the opportunity for individuals and clubs to contact their nearest city council and somehow become involved in that city’s Sister Cities International Day projects. Here in Cairns, our club has already offered our story to the council as an example of how one club has already embraced similar international connections. Kids in the local school who also play for the club are entering an art display which focuses on those international links.

These kids are helping our community to foster links with people in other nations and of other cultures across the globe, and are doing so through the medium of Australian Rules football. In a world that presents so many negative images to our youth, here is a great example of how they are undaunted and strive for positive relationships and experiences.

When considering the IC14 and other carnivals or matches which bring people together, maybe give some thought also to getting behind the “Sister Cities International Day” on July 5th.

Australian Rules football can never be big enough to be a vehicle for the Sister Cities concept. But it is slightly possible the Sister Cities concept could be a vehicle for Australian Rules football internationally. Ah, to dream!

We did..!!
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Texan Mason Cox has returned to the US after his whirlwind tour to Australia to trial before a number of AFL clubs. Port Adelaide revealed earlier this week that they were not interested in taking Cox.

But this afternoon the Collingwood football club revealed that they have managed to sign the ruck prospect.  Unlike former American recruits who have come to trial previously it seemed that a number of clubs were keen to sign him so the decision to choose was Mason's. 

With payments for International rookies being outside the salary cap, Collingwood were probably always going to be in the box seat if it came down to a matter of who woud pay the best.

Images Courtesy AFL Media

Cox becomes the second American as an International Rookie at Collingwood following on from Shae MacNamara who never played a senior AFL match for the club. 

Other Americans currently on AFL lists are Eric Wallace at North Melbourne, Jason Holmes at St Kilda and Patrick Mitchell at the Sydney Swans.

Recruited from Oklahoma State University (OSU), Cox will arrive at the Westpac Centre in August as the tallest player ever measured at an AFL Combine, standing an imposing 211.4 centimetres.

Projected as a potential ruck or key position player, Cox was the standout performer at last month’s US International Combine in Los Angeles, with his supreme athleticism drawing plaudits from recruiters across the AFL.

Recording elite vertical jump scores, including the second highest left-footed running leap ever documented by the AFL in 20 years of testing, Cox also demonstrated impressive speed and agility for his height, completing the 20-metre sprint in three seconds flat.

General Manager, List Management, Derek Hine expressed his delight at Cox’s recruitment, who will join Collingwood as a Category B rookie.

“There was a fair degree of interest from other clubs, so we’re delighted Mason has decided to join us and we believe he will be a long term player for the club,” Hine said.

“Mason’s testing results stack up favourably against athletes who have never played football previously but have successfully made the transition to the AFL. That gave us a confidence that there’s a foundation to work from, and more importantly, it gave Mason confidence that he potentially has the traits which can translate into an AFL career.

“At 211.4 centimetres, your first thought is Mason would be slated for a role in the ruck, but given his athletic scope he could potentially become a key forward in his own right.”

Cox enjoyed an unorthodox path to elite college basketball, recruited as a walk-on member of OSU’s basketball program despite having never played the sport at any competitive level.

The Texan native instead was acquainted with a round ball of a different variety, featuring as a goalkeeper for his high school and as a member of Major League Soccer side FC Dallas’ youth program.

Dedicated to his academic pursuits, Cox was nearly two years into a degree majoring in mechanical engineering when he was invited to join OSU’s Big 12 roster after drawing the attention of coaching staff while assisting the college women’s team.

Cox would ultimately spend three seasons on OSU’s roster, including the 2014 NCAA Tournament, and earned selection as a first team Academic All-Big 12 during his junior season in 2012/13.

Boasting such a diverse sporting background, Cox’s considerable appetite for the challenge posed in making the leap to AFL proved impressive, with Hine believing the ease with which he entered OSU’s basketball program provides indication of his intelligence and adaptability.

“Mason is very clear in the challenges he faces in his transition to AFL, but he is a competitive young man who is going to attack the task with intent. He is really up for the opportunity,” Hine said.

“If you look at his basketball background, Mason went to OSU as predominately a soccer player, having played no real structured basketball, and ended up featuring regularly, which is an example of his ability to learn and pick up skills.

“Mason is really well educated, and has been successful in any endeavour he has approached. This in itself along with his competitive drive gives us confidence that he can successfully adapt to the AFL system.”

To view a CollingwoodTV package featuring Cox’s first remarks as a Magpie, please click here. ...

In 2013 the Olinda Ferny Creek footy team from the Dandenongs region east of Melbourne travelled to Vanuatu post season for the perfect end of season trip after slogging it out in the Yarra Valley Mountain District Football League.

This year the hospitality is in part returned with AFL Vanuatu’s Kilip Andrew spending a season playing footy Melbourne style – no doubt somewhat removed from the conditions generally enjoyed in the Oceania region.

Last weekend Kilip showed he’s well and truly coming to grips with the requirements – and kicked 2 of Olinda Ferny Creeks 6 goals (leading scorer on the day) and was named in the best as the OFC reserves went down to the more fancied Belgrave by 37 points.

6 rounds in and the Olinda Ferny Creek reserves are 3-3, sitting 7th on the 10 team table. This week they host bottom side Monbulk (yet to win) for what should be a home win. Ironically in the seniors this is a top of the table clash this week.

So far Kilip has played all 6 matches in the reserves and has been getting better all the time. In Round 3 he managed his first goal and got in the best against Wandin (23 pt loss). Following up with another goal against Warburton Millgrove in Round 4 (15 pt loss). Since then, a 3 goal effort against Emerald (19 pt win) and last weeks 2 goals against Belgrave – again both times list in the best.

Given the form of the senior side – there will be no easy senior games for Kilip but right at the moment he has put himself in contention. Good luck for the rest of the season.

As per the link in the introduction - it's worth reviewing the Olinda Ferny Creek FNC (football/netball club) trip to Vanuatu last September. In a great template for other community clubs - 42 footballers, netballers and support staff spent a week including volunteer activities to help grow and promote the two games. OFC club president Helen Wositzky described the benefits of personal growth and development for those on the trip. Conducting clinics for hundreds of children/youth helped expose the lack of facilities and resources available. But never was there a lack of happiness and enthusiasm.

In Vanuatu footy tradition - the pre match routine before the OFC v Vanuatu Volcanoes match - included all OFC squad members involved with wheelbarrows and buckets to cart soil all afternoon to fill in the many crab holes. The Volcanoes won by 10 pts. The OFC squad also were able to donate over half a ton of sporting equipment for distribution to schools and associations.

To now see Kilip thriving at OFC this season is a nice example of the links developed and WFN can only encourage other clubs to look at similar opportunities they may become life changing for many throughout the Oceania region.

Check out the technique. ...

Two years ago I visited the Styrian Downunder Dogs in the town of Bad Radkersburg on the border with Slovenia where they were conducting a Friday night to Sunday pre-season camp.

It impressed me that the team was taking such a serious approach to their football and eager to absorb as much knowledge as possible about the game. These Austrians have to take the football seriously because without a Vienna team they represent Austria and travel long distances (even by Australian standards) to play in the Croatian league.

So, what has changed?

As is quite common, it is a case of two steps forward and one step back. For the negative, the stalwarts of the club are getting older and it is hard to find replacements. For the positive, the club has tried hard to introduce new players to the game with seminars at university and this led to the formation of a "interleague" or metro league. This year's version will start shortly.

The Downunder Dogs still play in the Croatian league but with the addition of the Slavonski Brod Tigers this year, they have already travelled the extra 400km round trip from Zagreb to the Tiger's Eastern Croatian home city. That game was successful even though that region received the worst flooding in more than a century.

There are whispers of games with the Czech Republic to the North, the re-formation of a Vienna team and the possible inclusion of an Hungarian team in the Croation league next year. With six universities in Graz, the Dogs target the same demographic as the clubs from Zagreb.

The Dogs are not alone in wanting to come to Australia and compete in the International Cup and are in good company in finding the cost a little prohibitive. The Downunder dogs like most of these countries are focussing their efforts on European representitive competition.

As a sidelight I'd like to mention that travelling and visiting football clubs is a good history lesson. The Styrian Downunder Dogs are named after a region that has it's own history and Graz is the second largest city in Austria. A team in Vienna would provide the perfect derby. ...

Aussie Rules the World is a new movie to be released in Australia on July 21st. It covers the issues of Aussie rules looking outside to the world for a place beyond it's home shores. International footy followers will see plenty of familiar places and faces as Brett Kirk travels the world leading up to the 2011 International Cup and then reveals the passion for the game back on Australian turf as the world brings the game back to the native land.

Please check out the trailer below.

For more ways to connect to this great project follow the links below;
http://www.aussierulestheworld.com
https://www.facebook.com/aussierulest...
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/au... ...

The following story comes from the Connacht Tribune newspaper in Galway. It is written by Steve Glennon in his Talking Sport column and looks at the efforts of the Galway Magpies in Ireland to develop their club and keep it on the field each week. This is an interesting insight which is likely true of many other clubs across Ireland and, indeed Europe.

One thing you can say about sport in Galway – be it mainstream sport or not – is that it certainly does not lack choice. If there is one that tickles your fancy, there is a fair chance it can be found somewhere in the Corrib region. No wonder then that Aussie Rules should boast of a small claim on this landscape.

Although the Australian Rules Football League of Ireland (ARFLI) has been up and running for over a decade, the West of Ireland branch has only been in operation about half of this time, according to Galway Magpies President and Coach Shaun Murphy, who hails from Bunbury, just south of Perth.

“It started five years ago when one of the lads who was involved in a team in Dublin moved West and started a team up. He (Ciaran O’Hara) had played for the Dublin Demons and the North Leinster Giants, I think, and he pretty much founded the League 10 years ago,” begins the Australian native.

Based out of the Claddagh, the Magpies train every Wednesday (6:30pm) and play their league games on a fortnightly basis. At present, there are six teams competing from around the country. The others are the South Dublin Swans, Dublin Demons, North Leinster Giants, Belfast Redbacks and Cork’s Leeside Lions.

“Obviously, for the away games the numbers can fluctuate, because of the travel involved, but for the home games you get 18 to 20. We played in Dublin recently and we had 16,” says Murphy, referring to the Galway Magpies 50-40 opening day defeat to the Swans.

However, for Murphy, who also plays junior ‘B’ football with An Spidéal – “I have trouble with the solo and picking the ball up off the ground,” he laughs – the result is not the be-all and end-all. The primary purpose of Aussie Rules team is to provide an opportunity to play for those who love the sport.

“Obviously, towards the end [of the league], some of us take it more seriously than others,” he laughs, “but it basically is all about having fun. Most of the away games you stay over, book a hostel and have a few drinks with the other team.

“We only train once a week and then it is every second weekend that we play. We train in the Claddagh – the Swamp – and we try to make it as fun as possible. It is more about participation than anything else.”

The picture, also from the Connacht Tribune, features John O’Regan (Club Captain) and Shaun Murphy (President and Coach) of the Galway Magpies.

To see the original story in the Connacht Tribune, click here.

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After last week announcing the AFL PNG Flames Womens squad for the AFL International Cup 2014 - now it's the turn of the men with the AFL PNG Mosquitoes squad taking shame - now in their final month of training prior to the announcement of the 28 man travelling squad. The training group has been trimmed to 36 - and amongst those are many familiar names to the followers of PNG footy and readers of Worldfootynews.

The following press release is courtesy of AFL PNG :

Papua New Guinea’s elite Mosquitoes team is shaping up for the 2014 International Cup with the initial Emerging side trimmed down to 36, as training continues for AFL PNG’s crème of the crop.

The Emerging Mosquitoes brings together the best footy players PNG has to offer currently playing in the country as well as in Australia, most of whom have come through AFL PNG’s Talent Pathway and are now playing with feeder clubs around Australia.

With training starting as early as mid 2013, PNG is no doubt a top contender in the tussle to win the International Cup title, having earned a spot in the past five grand finals since 2002, and making the country proud when they won the 2008 cup.

“This is the fifth International Cup. We have made the Final in each of the previous four Cups. PNG lost to Ireland in the inaugural Cup Final in 2002, lost to New Zealand in 2005, won when we defeated New Zealand in 2008 and lost again in the Final to Ireland in 2011. Prior to this, PNG won the Arafura Games Gold Medal undefeated four times in a row. “Every three years, more countries have joined in the challenge to try to win the AFL International Cup but PNG has consistently won through to the final winning once but consistent performing as Runners Up three times. At IC14, 23 countries are expected to compete in the men’s division and seven in the women’s division. “In 2014 we hope to defeat all challengers getting over the top of traditional rivals Ireland and New Zealand, with their taller athletes and significant resources and ensuring no-one catches us off guard like perennial IC challengers Nauru, Samoa or Japan,” said AFL PNG Board Chairman, Scott Reid.

The squad, which was trimmed down to 36 last week, includes;

The final team of 28 will be made known by the end of this month.

Mosquitoes’ trainer and 2008 Captain of the triumphant Mozzies, Rex Leka, said the boys have gone through a lot of fitness training and are looking good to take on the IC14.

“We already have ten top athletes currently playing in Australia, who are in the team. Combined with another top 15 boys from home soil, we are in no doubt a powerhouse this year. Boys who will give us the much needed figures to make a difference include the experience of Donald Barry, Emmaus Wartovo, Amua Pirika, Peter Labi, Willie Aisi and John James with a few young guns who will add more sting to the Mosquitoes bite this year.

Leka said; “The final selection for the 2014 PNG Mosquitoes boils down to one thing – and that is, who is serious about wearing the PNG jersey and being a good ambassador, come August.

The 2014 International Cup will be held in Melbourne, Australia, from August ninth to the 23rd. Travelling alongside the Mosquitoes is PNG’s women’s team - the Flames - who will attempt the International Cup for the second time.

With sponsorship not yet confirmed for either team, AFL PNG is extending an invitation to business houses in the corporate sector for a positive partnership in its’ bid to win the 2014 International Cup.

Each team needs at least K200, 000.00 to get to Melbourne and return, with each player and official levied a hefty K3, 000.00 each to cater for their basic needs such as transport, food and accommodation.

For further enquiries on sponsorship, the AFL PNG office can be contacted on 3254943.

This week's international broadcast networks and airing times are tabulated below. Screening times and networks are provided in good faith but are subject to change so you should check your local guides.

The Samurai IC14 Squad for AFL Japan was named today 3rd June 2014.

Twenty six Top League East players and two players currently playing in Australia have been named to play for the Samurai along with a Management and support staff of seven.

Senshu Powers have the largest contingent of players with seven, and Tokyo Bay Suns and R246 Lions are the next best represented clubs with six players each. The Komazawa Magpies have five representatives whilst brand new team Shonan Poseidons have provided 2 players.

Two players currently in Australia, Yuki Akita playing at North Gambier in country South Australia and Mitsugu Kazawa at West Footscray in Melbourne, Victoria have also been named in the squad.

The Japan based squad is as follows:

Senshu Powers: Yoshihara Sasaki, Takumi Sato, Kohei Sekine, Tomokazu Soda, Daichi Tanabe, Takuto Tsuneto and Yusuke Matsumoto.

Tokyo Bay Suns: Yosuke Kuno, Kunpei Komura, Katsuyoshi Shimizu, Junji Tanaka, Hiroyuki Toyama, and Masaya Nakamura.

R246 Lions: Yukihiro Ami, Michito Sasaki, Jun Sekiguchi, Kotaku Takasaki, Yuta Toyoshima and Yusei Hasegawa.

Komazawa Magpies: Hisayoshi Oura, Daiki Kai, Mitsugu Kazawa, Toshiki Matsuhashi and Sohei Yoshida.

Shonan Poseidons: Yohei Kichiraku and Kyosuke Sato.

Management and Support Staff are:

Brett Snowden – Coach

Hideki Miyasaka – Manager

Support Staff – Naoki Ishii – Powers, Ai Shichinohe – R246 Lions, Momoko Yasunga – Magpies, Jumpei Ito – Senshu and Tatsuya Tomioka – Magpies.

Several training sessions were held culminating in Samurai selection matches played on 26th May at the Edogawa Ground and a last chance training session on 31st May. Forty one players were split into three teams where each player was given a chance to play in at least two positions. Consideration was given to understanding game plans, response capability and suitability for each position.

Congratulations to all selected players and apologies for any mispelt names.

Courtesy of AFL Japan

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Australian Rules football is well and truly under way in Norway for 2014, with the second round of the Kenguru Cup being played last weekend. Again the competition was made of the two Oslo based teams – Oslo East and Oslo West - as well as the Ås Battlers.

After just two rounds it is the Oslo East team leading the way and issuing the challenge for the other two teams to “come and get them”.

Earlier in mid-May, Round 1 took place with the Oslo East team taking the honours to kick off the new season.

Read on for Round 1 Results: (match played in Ekeberg, Oslo)

Game One: Oslo East 6 9 45 d Oslo West 2 1 13
Game Two: Oslo West 6 4 40 d Ås Battlers 3 3 21
Game Three: Oslo East 5 6 36 d Ås Battlers 1 6 12

The Round 2 results (matches played in Ås) were:

Game One: Ås Battlers 4 5 29 d Oslo West 3 8 26
Game Two: Oslo East 7 5 47 d Oslo West 5 5 35
Game Three: Ås Battlers 5 5 35 d Oslo East 4 9 33

Whilst the “No-Aussies” game between the Oslo Crows and the Ås Battlers did not go ahead this year, there is still plenty to keep the Norwegian footy fraternity active and excited for the rest of 2014. The next engagement is the annual Sweden Cup in Jønkjøping, Sweden, on June 15th before the remaining rounds of the Kenguru Cup throughout the period June to August.

The Norwegian team will not be coming to the IC14 in Melbourne this year, however their schedule at this stage does include the Euro Cup in London during October as well as a visit to Vilamoura in Portugal for the 2014 Algarve 9’s tournament, also in October.

The third round of the Kenguru Cup will be played in Ekeberg, Oslo, on June 26th.

...

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The only major change that should be apparent to readers is that when they are logged in the My Account section is available from the menu across the top of the page.

If you notice any problems please log in and let us know or you can contact us on Facebook at worldfooty. ...

Questions are being raised about the future of AFL matches being hosted by Wellington.

Fewer than half of the 13,285 people who attended Wellington's AFL Anzac Day fixture paid face value for a ticket leaving its on-going future in jeopardy. However it would mirror the case for many promotional markets such as Western Sydney that many tickets in the initial seasons are ‘free and complimentaries’ to generate a following- particularly among the children in the region.

The Wellington city council is understood to have contributed $600,000 of ratepayer money to promote the game, but there was little public interest with the crowd down from 22,183 at the inaugural game in 2013.

"It's under review and hard questions are being asked about the return on investment to Wellington," said Deputy Mayor Justin Lester.

"It has the ability to be a centrepiece of next year's Anzac Day centenary celebrations, but a lot of work needs to be done.

"When it was introduced… it seems to have been a fairly clear case of over-promising and under-delivering. We want to change that. We have met with representatives from St Kilda and the AFL to make our concerns known and to review the situation."

"Whilst the crowd was down compared to last year, we're still very positive about the result given the impact of the school and Easter holiday period [which coincided with Anzac Day]," St Kilda representative Ben Davies said.

The facts are that where Anzac Day fell in relation to the NZ school holidays, the poor start to the year by the Brisbane Lions and the actual timeslot of the game will all have been factors.

The first factor is a calendar issue that will not arise in 2015, the next issue regarding Brisbane is about luck in any given year and the third factor about timeslot is the one that needs to be addressed. The game commences too late and goes for too long for families to attend in the evening.

Ideally the Wellington game should be the first game played on Anzac Day with the Collingwood/Essendon fixture to follow.

A review period of the fixture is due after 2015.

Read more: Annual AFL fixture in jeopardy ...