Hot on the heels of St Kilda FC signing Barclay Miller, their third international scholarship from New Zealand – the footy news just keeps rolling in with the announcement of the New Zealand Hawks Academy preliminary squad that will travel to Sydney later this month.

The training squad will be reduced to a travelling squad announced Monday March 16; before heading to Sydney to take on a combined NSW Independent Secondary Schools squad as well as the Sydney Swans Academy. (Just don’t let Eddie McGuire know about it). The final hit out for before selection is the inaugural Academy National League being held at Parrs Park in Auckland across the weekend of March 14 and 15. So far 3 rounds of Academy matches have been played since kicking off in early February.

The squad is coached by Shannon Wall (Wellington), assistant coaches Chris Mundell and Mick Coultard (both Auckland). The Manager is Sam McKenzie (Wellington) and physio is Skye Rene (Northland) ...

Ed. - We welcome Scott Matheson to World Footy News as our newest writer. Scott is an Australian who spent many years in the USA, played in the USAFL at the Columbus Australian Rules Football Club and has held various positions on both the CARFC committee as well as the USAFL board. Scott has now returned to Australia and studies in Melbourne.

2015 is shaping up as the biggest year for American imports playing and competing in Aussie Rules in footy’s home state of Victoria.  Numerous Americans have made, or will make, the sixteen hour trek across the Pacific Ocean in order to chase some unorthodox sporting dreams.  This article profiles the players expanding the Yankee footprint in Victorian footy circles. 

The players should be recognised as coming to Victoria through three separate pathways:

1. The elite level program stems from the AFL’s Los Angeles combine testing; successful players have the opportunity to attend AFL combine testing in Melbourne and/or be signed as an International Rookie on an AFL list.

2. The ‘semi-pro’ portion represents players seeking to be paid to play at high levels of VFL football; these players are generally placed at these clubs by an independent third-party.

3. The grassroots pathway to football in regional Victoria; a program with the USAFL and numerous AFL Victoria clubs, set up to expand football knowledge and offer a ‘footy exchange’ experience.

 Jason Holmes

Age: 25

Club: St. Kilda Saints

Height: 203cm

Weight: 105kg

Position: Ruck

Jason, younger brother of Oakland Raiders WR Andre Holmes, progressed very well in his first season with St. Kilda’s VFL affiliate Sandringham. His energy and athleticism around stoppages and high marking ability, coupled with St. Kilda’s young list, indicate that he has a great chance to debut in 2015. His NAB Challenge performance drew positive reviews.

 Eric Wallace

Age: 26

Club: North Melbourne Kangaroos

Height: 197cm

Weight: 102kg

Position: Ruck

Eric Wallace, affectionately known as “The Beast”, is now in his third season with North Melbourne’s list. He led the North Ballarat Roosters in 2014 as their number one Ruckman. Eric’s biggest hurdle to an AFL debut might be the strength of North’s big man department, as they push for a second top four finish in as many seasons.

Mason Cox

Age: 23

Club: Collingwood Magpies

Height: 211cm

Weight: 104kg

Position: Ruck

Mason Cox was the ‘Belle of the Ball’ at the AFL’s Los Angeles combine in 2014, with numerous clubs fawning over his immense height and surprising athleticism. In the ensuing competition for his services, the Magpie Army won out due to their outstanding facilities and tradition. With Nathan Buckley’s team looking to build for the future, Cox looks set to have every chance to become a success.

Alex Aurrichio

Age: 24

Club: Northern Blues (VFL)

USAFL Club: New York Magpies

Height: 198cm

Weight: 109kg

Position: Ruck

Alex was introduced to Aussie Rules through the LA combine in 2014 but was not snapped up by an AFL club. Instead the budding Ruckman spent the season with the New York Magpies, playing an influential role in their USAFL Division One Championship in Dublin, OH. He trundled down to Australia off his own bat, determined to make it as a professional footy player and has landed with the Northern Blues. A great snapshot of Alex’s journey is available here.

Carl Winston

Age: 24

Club: Port Melbourne Borough (VFL)

Height: 172cm

Weight: 85kg

Position: Midfield

Torrey Harkness

Age: 24

Club: Port Melbourne Borough (VFL)

Height: 180cm

Weight: 83kg

Position: Midfield/Defence

Carl and Torrey have arrived to try out for Gary Ayres’ Port Melbourne team before the beginning of the 2015 season. They were recruited by the American Footy Star concept at the conclusion of the first season of that experience. After training for six months with the show’s creator, Milo Gladovic, they face a steep learning curve if they’re able to make the grade down at the Borough. Nonetheless, their supreme athletic gifts will give them every chance at success.

Ben Carpenter

Age: 24

Club: Montrose Demons (Eastern FL)

USAFL Club: Austin Crows

Height: 183cm

Weight: 93kg

Position: Outside Midfield

Ben Carpenter was one of the better performers on the USA Revolution’s IC2014 campaign, playing across the wing and half-forward. After coming out of nowhere to help lead the Austin Crows to Division One championship in 2013, Ben’s vertical leap and strong hands have established him as a name to watch in USAFL circles. In 2015 he will join Montrose FC’s quality EFL program in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, where former AFL player Troy Simmonds will mentor his development.

 Daniel Dahlquist

Age: 20

Club: Ballarat Swans (Ballarat FL)

USAFL Club: Golden Gate Roos

Height: 188cm

Weight: 75kg

Position: Tall Defender

Tall and rangy, youngster Daniel Dahlquist will look to make a name for himself with one of Victoria’s oldest clubs, the Ballarat Swans, this season. After a solid foundation performance with the Revos at IC2014, ‘Dahly’ will use the experience of 2015 to take his game to the next level. Establishing himself as a key position defender at the Swans would be a terrific achievement for Dahlquist, who looks forward to celebrating his 21st birthday while in sunny Ballarat.

 Terry Brasch

Age: 26

Club: Dimboola Roos (Wimmera FL)

USAFL Club: Portland Steelheads

Height: 183cm

Weight: 79kg

Position: Inside Midfield

Terry Brasch comes from an accomplished wrestling and rugby background, having played Aussie Rules for just over twelve months. In that short period he has had an impact on his home club, the Portland Steelheads, winning Rookie of the Year and Runner Up in the Best and Fairest in 2014. Terry will spend 2015 in the Wimmera wheat-belt with Tim Watson’s old crew, the Dimboola Roos. You can keep up with Terry’s adventures on his blog here.

  ...

Last week the Essendon Football Club announced that club and Australian Football legend, Kevin Sheedy, would be returning to the club.  The acquisition of Sheedy by the Bombers will prove a likely master stroke by the club as they use his five decades of experience at all levels of the game to help redirect the club in the wake of a tumultuous period.

Kevin has also written for World Footy News. His article last year about the proliferation of the Giants’ brand world-wide helped raise awareness of the international game to a far wider audience. See A GIANT invite from Kevin Sheedy

 Earlier last year I was able to briefly interview Kevin about his views on the international development of Australian Football. Again, he lent his enormous expertise and awareness of the game’s position to give insights to our readers: Kevin Sheedy – A (brief) World View

 The following is an official press release from the Essendon Football Club detailing the signing of Kevin Sheedy to the club and the roles that he will fill in his return to the club he supported as a kid and coached to four VFL/AFL premierships between 1981 and 2007.

MEDIA RELEASE

 After a seven year absence, the Essendon family is thrilled to welcome Kevin Sheedy home.

 The four-time premiership coach and Hall of Fame legend, has been appointed to the newly created role of General Manager, Commercial Development and Innovation.

 Essendon Chief Executive Officer Xavier Campbell said Kevin’s return is an important acquisition for the Club.

 “Kevin is an icon of the game, a legend of the Essendon Football Club and has more than five decades of experience as a player, coach, administrator and pioneer of the game,” Campbell said.

 “Kevin is part of the fabric of our proud Club, he paved the way for social change, broke down barriers and means so much to so many generations of loyal and proud Essendon supporters.”

 "We all look forward to welcoming Sheeds home to the Essendon family.”

 Campbell said when considering Kevin’s return to the Club, it was important for both parties that any role have purpose.

 “When considering a return for Kevin to the Club it was important, for both us and Kevin, that any role not only be ambassadorial but also have genuine meaning and purpose."

 “The General Manager, Commercial Development and Innovation position will play a key strategic role for our Club, and is a great fit for Kevin.”

 “As a key member of the Club’s senior management group, Kevin will work closely with our commercial, community and marketing departments, spending significant time engaging with key stakeholders, developing new growth strategies and supporting the successful execution of the broader Club vision and strategy.”

 Sheedy said he was very excited about returning to the club where he enjoyed more than two decades of success.

 “The Essendon Football Club holds a special place for me and my family, and I’m looking forward to be coming back to the club and working with so many driven and dedicated people,” Sheedy said.

 “It was a difficult decision to leave GWS but I am proud of the work I have done there and what we were able to achieve in a relatively short period of time and in a particularly tough market.”

 “The time to move on and spend more time with my family in Melbourne was important to me, as was the opportunity to go back to an organisation where I spent twenty-seven years.”

 Sheedy revealed the role of General Manager, Commercial Development and Innovation would enable him to help strengthen the club’s future generally.

 “Discussions with Paul and Xavier gave me a good feel for where the club is heading, they have a vision and I’m looking forward to playing a part in shaping the club’s bright future and making our fans proud.”

 “There are great people at Essendon who have continued the legacy of using football to make a positive change in the community, and I’m excited about rolling my sleeves up and ensuring we keep thinking of new ways to develop and enhance the game for all Australians.”

 “Essendon has been a pioneer in the Indigenous and multi-cultural communities and the club is committed to ensuring we continue to grow the game in these areas, be it through initiatives like the Dreamtime at the G’ or the Embracing India strategy.”

 Sheedy’s position will not involve any formal role within the club’s football department but will include providing a greater understanding and insight into the club’s fabric and proud history to all employees.

 Sheedy will commence his new role at the club on Monday 16 March.

 In an extraordinary career, Sheedy, from South Yarra in inner suburban Melbourne, first played for Prahran in the VFA before trying out with the Melbourne Demons. That decision didn’t come to fruition and shortly afterwards he joined VFL club Richmond where he played 251 games.

 After a brief media stint, Sheedy joined Essendon in 2981, taking them to four flags and another three grand-finals. At the end of the 2007 season he left the club after coaching the Bombers for 634 games. He joined Greater Western Sydney as their inaugural coach for the 2012/13 seasons for another 44 games.

 Sheedy is a member of the Australian Football Hall Of Fame amongst innumerable other honours extending from his VFL debut in 1967 to his new role at Essendon in 2015.

Kevin Sheedy - "King Of The Kids" - Cairns, 2014  ...

The NAB Challenge heads into week three on Thursday night starting with Geelong vs Adelaide at Simonds Stadium in Geelong .

We bring you the international broadcast schedule (below). 

  ...

Across the weekend Vanuatu was hit by a category 5 cyclone which is as bad as it gets. Early reports of fatalities are patchy and will sadly be understated. The intensity of this storm was comparable to the 2013 Typhoon Haiyan that left more than 6000 dead in the Philippines. With communications impacted - and Vanuatu with around 250,000 people living across about 65 inhabited islands and in a variety of conditions - the true scale may not be known for sometime.

My family and I enjoyed the hospitality of AFL Vanuatu during a family holiday to Port Vila last June. Like many others we look on from afar in shock and despair for those who have endured this. We wish for - but fear for - the safety of those we haven't heard from.

As far as kicking balls around a paddock - that will be the last thing on the minds of anybody. In Vanuatu - with such widespread destruction the coming days and weeks will be crucial for those left homeless and without access to clean water - and for bringing health systems back into operation and not just back to normal operation. It is for this reason that we urge those who can; to donate. Australian aid flights have already begun arriving. - Via facebook : Give to Vanuatu with drop off points listed around Australia. - Australian Red Cross : Cyclone Pam Vanuatu 2015 appeal. - And cash donations from anywhere via Gofundme

Keeping mindful that in Australia it was a category 3 cyclone (Olwyn) that swept through coastal regions of the Pilbara late last week - and there the area seems likely to be declared a natural disaster zone. 40 years ago Darwin was hammered by Cyclone Tracy - a category 4 storm with winds up to 240 kmh. Comparing to Cyclone Pam, a category 5 monster with winds over 320 kmh which is even stronger than the category 5 Yasi that hit Queensland (near Cairns) in 2011 with maximum winds around 285 kmh. Category 5 is open ended - they don't both categorising beyond that as it is simply regarded as having a 'devastating' impact. And that's what has happened around Vanuatu. ...

The NAB Challenge winds up in this fourth week, matches beginning  on Thursday night with Hawthorn taking on St Kilda at Docklands stadium.

We bring you the international broadcast schedule for these matches (below). 

The AFL and GAA today confirmed that the 2015 International Rules series will be just the one test between Australia and Ireland. This comes after some speculation that the AFL were pushing for an extra Test to be played in New York (among other venues).

The AFL have confirmed the once again only All-Australian team members or those who have previously been selected in the All Australian squad previously (in the event of injury) will be eligible for the Australian team.

The match will take place on the hallowed Croke Park turf on November 21st and Australia will again be coached by Alastair Clarkson with the assistance of Brad Scott and Ross Lyon.

It is hoped that a successful tour without serious incidents that have marred previous tours can see the series become a more permanent and expanded series in the future. ...

As reported on WFN earlier (5th March) the Thailand Tigers took on the Malaysian Warriors in a Footy First in Phuket, Thailand.

This report courtesy of Thailand Tigers Australian Football Club.

After a 4 month lay-off, the Thailand Tigers were finally back in action over the weekend, with a short jaunt to Phuket to play Asian footy heavyweights, the Malaysian Warriors.

This match-up marked the first time Australian football has been played on the island province, and as a result, a healthy group of Aussie expats and curious others were on hand to see the two teams battle it out at the Alan Cooke Cricket Ground in central Phuket.

The Tigers side boasted one of its least-experienced line-ups in many years, as they took to the field with 7 first gamers and 4 under-18’s, and it was clear that it would be tough game against a near full-strength Malaysian team that were seeking revenge for the surprise defeat they suffered at the hands of the Tigers at the Asian Champs.

With the temperature working its way into the mid-thirties, it was only a cooling breeze blowing left-to-right that was keeping many players and umpires from heat exhaustion even before the opening bounce, and when the first quarter finally began, it was the visiting side that got off to the better start. Despite Lettuce* taking a strong defensive mark from their first foray forward, the Tigers seemed ill-equipped to stem the run of the Warriors, and alarm bells were soon ringing as the Warriors piled on the first 3 goals in quick succession.

Thankfully, the Tigers had in their keeping a secret weapon, and he was unleashed soon after, as the finest big-man in Asian footy (and probably in Asia general), Aggots*, got his big mitts on his first mark and goal. A few more followed and the Tigers went into the quarter time break behind, but well within reach.

Unfortunately for the Tigers, the game followed a similar path for the next two quarters, with multiple goals coming in bunches for the Warriors, followed by some magic up forward that kept Thailand within sniffing distance, but unable to bridge the gap.

By the time the final quarter had begun, a Thailand victory appeared unlikely, with injuries to a few key players and a fit and firing opposition, a stirring comeback appeared unlikely – and it proved to be too much for the young Tigers. After another early Malaysian goal avalanche, the Tigers managed to steady the ship and battled wholeheartedly before the final siren finally blew and signaled the opportunity to get a cold drink/beer.

While never hitting the front during the entire game, there were many positives to take away for the Tigers, particularly with the form and ability shown by the new guys. Marcus* battled manfully at half-back and showed a good turn of speed and clean skills, while ground curator Andy McMillian surprised all with confident dash and a coolness under pressure (he also seemed like he was enjoying himself). Yorkie* was hard and consistent in the middle, and American Jordan* steadily found his way into the game and showed enough to suggest he will be a handy acquisition.

Lockii* played at centre-half forward and led hard all afternoon, despite not receiving any favours from his teammates. While Sonny Bill was expectantly bustley, and young Tao* came on late, took a good mark and hit a teammate on the lead, all before his 15th birthday.

Special mention needs to go to two young fellas in particular; BJ* not only started in the ruck against a much bigger, older and more experienced opponent, but stayed there, contested every bounce and won his fair share of contests all day. And Lettuce*, who lugged his big frame to centre-half back from the start and showed solid defensive abilities early, and good leadership skills after half-time when Coxy* and Samo* were missing (injured) from the backline.

Best players for the Tigers were Paddy*, Sugar* and Jacko* who kept running hard in the centre, all racking up possessions and tackles, but BOG was an easy decision with Aggots* proving absolutely unstoppable at full-forward, pulling down marks even with 2 and 3 players on him and kicking straight for 6 majors.

Warriors 5.1 9.4 14.8 16.10 (106)

Tigers 4.1 7.2 8.3 9.6 (60)

A Special Thank You to organisers etc. can be viewed at www.thailand-tigers.com

*Full names not provided. ...

The following article from www.abc.net.au looks at the recent Tiwi Islands grand-final played last weekend, but largely hidden by the larger NTFL grand finals. It is a fascinating account of both the game itself but also the people, heritage and culture that are as much a part of the game as the players themselves.

This is the first of two articles from ABC News which examine both the history and impact of the game on the people of the Tiwi Islands as well as looking at this year’s grand-final.

The Tiwi Islands – or by the native name Ratuati Irara (two islands) – are comprised of Bathurst and Melville Islands, 80 kilometres north of Darwin where the Arafura Sea meets the Timor Sea. It is also home to the NTFL team, the Tiwi Bombers.

(Picture: Bulldogs players receiving quarter-timee instructions)

Tiwi Islands football grand final: Thousands flock to see 'footy as it was a long time ago'

One Sunday each year thousands travel to the Tiwi Islands, north of Darwin, for the local Australian Rules football grand final.

It is played on Bathurst Island at the community of Wurrumiyanga: population less than 1,500.

They come from Darwin and from interstate, and they come for many reasons; among them the desire to see a fast and high-risk brand of football known to some as "footy as it was a long time ago".

This year's final on March 15 will be the first time many have seen the Pumarali Thunder and Lightning or the Walama Bulldogs contesting the silverware.

The ritual event has an air of nostalgia, but it takes place this year amid change, including an end to ABC radio coverage and a long-term decline in the number of Indigenous players in the AFL.

None of these issues, however, will have any bearing on the mood of the game. Football on the Tiwis is an obsession, and the islands are said to have Australia's highest participation rate.

An estimated 35 per cent of Tiwi people - men, women and children - play football, and there is a long history of local players starring in the national league, including Essendon's Michael Long and Richmond's Maurice Rioli.

Since at least the 1940s Australian Rules football has been played on Bathurst and Melville islands, with regular games on Sunday afternoons and a 50-pound sack of flour for the winners.

From the 1950s the local mission school taught a muscular brand of tuition that promoted the learning of footy skills.

"It's just gone full on since then," veteran sports broadcaster Charlie King said. "They play high-risky footy. It's attack at all costs.

"They don't put in a lot of effort in shutting down players and taggers and those sorts of things.

"They take it from one end of the ground to the other end of the ground without actually handing it over.

"The skill level is extraordinary. At ground level when the ball hits the ground they just run at it at a great rate of knots.

"It's footy as it was a long time ago."

To read the full story, written by James Purtill, go to the following link: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-03-15/tiwi-islands-football-grand-final-thousands-flock-to-game/6319366ωWT.mc_id=newsmail

For the record, the Walama Bulldogs defeated the Pumarali Thunder & Lightning 54 to 52 in the dying moments of a thrilling season decider. It was their first flag in 18 years. To read a follow-up article about the match itself, go to: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-03-16/tiwi-islands-football-grand-final-how-the-walama-bulldogs-won/6321316

Pictures courtesy ABC News – James Purtill (Top) and Steven Schubert (Bottom)

Picture: Last quarter mark leading to premiership winning goal.

  ...

The Sydney Swans have elevated one player to Bloods Legend status and welcomed two new faces to the Hall of Fame at tonight’s annual Guernsey Presentation and Hall of Fame Induction Dinner, presented by Volkswagen.

More than 650 guests attended the evening at Sydney’s The Star Event Centre.
 

Former Swans captain, coach, five-time best and fairest winner and the 1940 Brownlow medallist, J.Herbie Matthews, became the fifth player elevated to Bloods Legend status, joining Bob Pratt, Bob Skilton, Paul Kelly and Peter Bedford. He was among the inaugural inductees into the Swans Hall of Fame in 2009.
 

Two new inductees were welcomed into the Swans Hall of Fame, 1918 premiership captain Jim Caldwell along with 2005 premiership player Tadhg Kennelly.
 

Kennelly became the 60th inductee into the Swans Hall of Fame after a decorated career that spanned 10 years, including the 2005 premiership triumph.
 

Arriving at the Club in 1999 from Ireland, Kennelly was taken under the wing of Swans assistant coach George Stone to develop his AFL skills and by 2001, he was playing senior football.
 

Images of Kennelly’s jig on the Grand Final podium in 2005 will be long remembered by Swans fans.
In 2008 he returned to Ireland to successfully pursue his dream of winning an All-Ireland medal with County Kerry. After becoming the first player to claim an AFL premiership and All-Ireland medal, he returned to the Swans for the 2010 season before retiring in 2011 having notched up 197 matches.
 

The second inductee of the evening was brilliant centreman and wingman Jim Caldwell, who joined South Melbourne in 1909 and would have become a premiership player in his first season had he not been suspended for striking following an incident in the preliminary final.
 

During his eleven seasons in the red and white, he became one of the most celebrated players in the game, known for his skill, pace and judgement. In 1918 he was appointed captain of the Club and led the team to a narrow Grand Final victory over Collingwood that season.
 

Three new items were also added to the Swans Heritage List:
- Ron Clegg’s individual performance in the 1951 match against Fitzroy at Brunswick Street Oval, where he claimed 50 possessions and 32 marks.
- ‘The True Believers’ - a group comprising of John Gerahty, Craig Kimberley, Basil Sellers, Peter Weinert and Michael Willesee credited with saving the Club from the brink of collapse in 1992.
- 2005 Premiership, which broke a 72-year drought for the Club. This year the Club will celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the 2005 flag.
Eight new recruits and their families were formally welcomed to the Club, with the players each receiving their first Swans guernsey from former greats Tony Morwood and Stuart Maxfield.
 

The Sydney Swans 2015 campaign kicks off on April 4 against Essendon at ANZ Stadium at 4.35pm. ...

Austrian Football in the form of the Styrian DownUnderDogs need you support.  They are taking part in the competition ' ING-DiBa Club Tausender' in Austria.

A total of 50,000 euros will be awarded to non-profit organizations nation-wide.  Every vote - counts as per category, the 10 clubs with the most votes receive 1,000 euros each for their club project.

Goto  https://www.ing-diba.at/vereinstausender/vereindetails?club_id=685.

That takes you to the DownUnderDogs voting page. Click on "stimme Abgeben" to start process. You'll then be asked to supply your email address twice and security code displayed.
Click on "abstimm codes anfordem" ( you don't have to tick newsletter). In a short time you should receive an email with three votes.

They are long codes, so copy and paste each vote at the original DownUnderDog's voting site. (tick box agreeing with conditions)

Each 24 hours generates 3 votes with 3 codes which are valid for 48 hours for you to vote for the DownUnderDogs.

If you "Like" ING-DiBa Austria on facebook you can request an additional vote: https://www.facebook.com/ingdibaaustria

I know that the Styrian DownUnderDogs as the voice of Australian Football in Austria "would be pleased if we get on your support to make the hottest sport in the world in Austria popular!"

  ...

With the 2014/15 NTFL season done and dusted there is some evidence coming through that the game in the Northern Territory, most particularly the Northern Territory Football League (NTFL)  is enjoying a strong and rapid growth. It is a long bow to draw to claim that the game is capturing a wider national audience, though there is evidence coming through which may support the idea.

A recent press release from the AFLNT noted that:

TIO NTFL Drawing Unprecedented Crowds in 2014-15 Season

The TIO NTFL attendance figures for the 2014/15 season are on record pace with more than 70,000 patrons through the gates since Round One in October 2014.

Analysis of the past five years reflects an increase of close to 12 per cent on the 2013/14 season attendance figures.

(Picture: Jubilant Wanderers players during NTFL Grand Final - source NT News)

 With two weeks of Territory football remaining, attendance figures are looking to eclipse the TIO NTFL’s previous record numbers for a home and away season set in 2012/13.

Community Football Manager Anthony Venes believes the growth in attendance is indicative of the continued growth and popularity.

“Current figures show a cumulative increase in attendance of 31 per cent over the past five seasons,” Venes said today.

“This is consistent with the growth that has occurred in the NTFL competition during the same period of 33 percent”.

Recent evidence of larger crowd numbers, seemingly more corporate advertising and memberships at some clubs indicated small rises, but interestingly it is the massive jump in those watching games through the online AFLNTv which indicates a massive jump.

The jump is so great that it would appear that viewers from well outside of the Darwin community are tuning in, and that jump has been enormous over the past 12 months.

The key indicators are in the total views of games, the time spent watching the games and amount of subscribers to AFLNTv. The figures below are for the total 2013/14 season including finals and the 2014/15 season NOT including the recent grand final.

Total Views: 2013/14 = 20,710  compared to 2014/15 = 39,552 (almost doubled)

Time Spent: 2013/14 = 138,216 hrs compared to 2014/15 = 344,601hrs (more than doubled)

Subscribers: 2013/14 = 94 compared to 2014/15 = 180 (almost doubled)

It would be fair to say that the figures for the 2014/15 grand final would boost that increase significantly.

Hannah West, Sponsorship, Media and Events Co-ordinator for AFLNT stated that she agreed wholeheartedly with the idea that more and more southern people (read southern states or simply south of Darwin) are seeing the NTFL competition as a high standard summer competition. With the southern leagues on hiatus for the summer months, the avid footy follower can tune into the NTFL via social media updates and facilities like AFLNTv and follow the season.

Where once the “wet season” of the Top End was seen as a less productive time of the year, southern markets are seeing that it is anything but, and a thriving, high standard Australian Football competition thrives and grows.

Further evidence of this can be seen in the playing rosters of clubs. Former AFL players litter club lists. Aaron Davey, Alwyn Davey, Michael Pettigrew, Cameron Cloke and Leroy Jetta have played for Palmerston Magpies this year. Des Headland, Richard Tambling and Jared Brennan lined up for Southern District. Damien Cupido, Jason Roe and Derick Wanganeen played for Nightcliff. Brent Guerra and Cory Dell’Olio lined up at Waratah whilst Darryl White and Andrew McLeod had brief stints also at Buffaloes.

Then there are the grand finalists. St Marys boasted names like Nathan Lovett-Murray, Stephen Milne and Raphael Clarke for short stints whilst Wanderers team contained names like Eddie Sansbury, Liam Patrick and Marlon Motlop. The Tiwi Bombers listed Austin Wonaeamirri and John Meeson.

These are just a sample of the names of ex-AFL talent that donned NTFL club colours this year. There are many others. That kind of talent has an amazing impact on the game, both in terms of improving the overall game and also attracting bigger crowds to see former AFL players at local clubs. Many of these players only donned a jumper once, often for promotional of historical reasons, but their presence certainly helped attract the crowds. How could it not when that list includes number one draft picks and Norm Smith Medallists as well as other past greats.

It will be interesting to see how far this growth goes. The huge increases in viewing for the 2014/15 season sets a platform for continued, or at the very least sustained growth for years to come.

World Footy news will continue to monitor the growth in the Northern Territory game and continue to investigate other facets of change in a growing Australian Football market. ...

The following is a story written by Charles Miranda in Amsterdam for News Corp. It details the decision made by AFL Europe to recognise Catalonia as a nation in the lead up to this weekend’s European Champions League tournament. The article appeared in today’s Herald Sun in Melbourne at: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/australian-football-league-recognises-spanish-region-catalonia-as-a-country-in-european-competition/story-fni5ezdm-1227269879164

In essence, the story follows the line that the AFL, through the efforts of AFL Europe, have given the region of Catalonia in Spain an independence not granted them through politics or societal influence. It marks a fascinating event where sport has had a direct hand in perceptions of nationhood.

AFL recognises Spanish Region Catalonia as a country in European Competition.

In the scheme of global politics it’s a pretty small thing.  

But the Australian Football League has done what three centuries of bloody wars and secessionist sentiment have failed to achieve and given nationhood status to the Spanish region of Catalonia.

And the move was threatening to turn into a diplomatic spat this weekend with the inaugural AFL Europe Champions League cup competition but was dodged at the 11th hour thanks to budget cuts.

Organisers of the championship series to be played in Amsterdam tomorrow had been fretting over the draw that sees the best clubs from each European nation play off against each other, including a potentially fiery clash between clubs from Spain and Catalonia.

But both Spanish teams announced they were pulling out on the basis of cost, so too the Welsh and half the Italian squad. A team from Russia was also forced to withdraw due to visa issues.

The AFL is the only sport in the world to recognise Catalonia as an independent State by controversially allowing it into the European League as a member country.

The Catalans were quietly given the status because they simply asked in 2010 when AFL Europe was formalised.

AFL Europe CEO Ben MacCormack agreed organisers may have dodged controversy yesterday over the decision made by a predecessor.

“Yes it’s controversial, essentially it was an AFL Europe membership in the room decision, I’m not sure if AFL has ratified our decision but as a sport I think they are the only sport to have that recognition which is why the Catalans like the sport because they are given legitimacy,” MacCormack said.

“It’s been disappointing they couldn’t come to the champions league … they get some money to travel for the Euro Cup but I think they are still in the midst of getting the Catalonian government to recognise it’s an actual sport and if they understand that they would be excited to know they have a national team.”

MacCormack said the two teams had played each other once last year.

“There was a lot of feeling absolutely, regardless of their skill level in football it was very emotional for both groups to play against each other,” he said. “The fact they are running out there in their jumper and one doesn’t recognise the other as a real group but the fact they are there playing each other makes them real is quite a unique watching experience. They all socialise afterwards with some discussion on politics but luckily I don’t speak Spanish very well.”

Ten teams will play it out tomorrow to be crowned best AFL club in Europe in a reduced nine-a-side format competition.

Picture: Spanish Bulls (Herald Sun) ...