As the need for top level athletic talent for the upcoming 2017 Women's national league becomes more obvious the AFL today released the following announcement that will aim to find talent from other sports in Australia.  As yet there are no announcements about talent from outside Australia being included.

AFL Media Release

The AFL is pleased to announce a female talent search campaign will be held throughout Australia in early 2016.

The campaign is designed to give female athletes who are currently active in other sports the opportunity to test their football fitness and skills.

AFL General Manager Game and Market Development, Simon Lethlean said the testing sessions will seek new talent amongst athletes who are not currently registered as Australian football players.

“We want Australian football to be the sport of choice for female athletes and we know there are many talented footballers who have backgrounds in other sports,” he said.

“We want to engage with these players and give them the chance to enhance their football skills while expanding our talent pool as we look towards the national women’s competition in 2017.”

AFL Female Ambassador and Melbourne captain Daisy Pearce will lead the sessions with state female academy coaches. The AFL has partnered with Rookie Me to conduct the athletic testing.

“This is an exciting time for women’s football and I’m looking forward to travelling around the country and meeting the athletes,” Daisy said.

“Many of the current stars in our game have also competed at the elite level in other sports. If we find more of them through the talent search the standard of our sport can only improve.”

Athletes identified during the campaign will be offered places in female state academies (which support players already identified) and places in state league clubs.

Athletes will experience familiar Draft Combine testing; standing and running vertical jumps, agility, 20m sprint and the shuttle run (beep test).

Participants will get an opportunity to demonstrate skills including kicking, marking and hand balling as well as their decision making, spatial awareness and appetite to compete.

Female Talent Search dates:

Melbourne

9am-2.30pm

Saturday January 23

Whitten Oval

Perth

8am-1.30pm

Saturday January 30

Trinity

Brisbane

9am-2.30pm

Sunday February 7

Anglican Church Grammar

Adelaide

9am-2.30pm

Sunday February 14

Prince Alfred College

Sydney

9am-2.30pm

Sunday February 21

St Ignatius College

Hobart

9am-2.30pm

Sunday February 28

Newtown High School
 

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In this article from the NT News, four boys from the Northern Territory get a taste of international footy through their participation in an International Rules match in Ireland. In a unique stepping stone to bigger things, both for themselves and others who might wish to follow in their footsteps, these Territory lads have travelled ground that few of their contemporaries have.

From never kicking a round ball in Tennant Creek to beating the Irish in Ireland.

That is the story and journey of Barkly quartet — Liam Holt-Fitz, Matthew Green, Mattaniah Bain and Kyrell Barton who beat the Irish in a number of contests at the hybrid International Rules game over the past fortnight.

The lads, along with their Wanderers Australia AFL Training teammates, earned some green and gold pride as they went undefeated through the tour.

Coached by former Sydney Swan Jason Saddington, they racked up wins against Irish teams Monaleen, Ballinacourty, Lucan Sarsfields and Emmets Gaelic Athletic Associations.

The group travelled through Ireland playing against and training with local teams as well as touring the facilities of professional clubs.

Tennant Creek Clontarf Academy director Randall Gould, who accompanied the four on the trip, said they were all standouts against the local teams.

“Our fellas played so well, Matthew Green really dominated — coaches and opposition were in awe at times,” Gould said.

“Against Lucan Sarsfields, not only did our boys hold their own they were in the better players. “Mattaniah and Kyrell both spent a half in the goals.

“It was played in 80kmh winds and with rain that felt like needles in the face.”

Gould said they made lifelong friends from all over Australia.

“They have left a huge impression on their fellow players, coaches, supporters and families they have stayed with all over Ireland,” Gould said.

“Personally, I am so proud of these young men.

“They have represented themselves, their families, Tennant Creek and the Northern Territory so well.”

Now back in the Territory, the Barkly lads returned to the oval ball in the NTFL Under-18’s with Green and Bain playing Waratah while Holt-Fitz represented Nightcliff at TIO No. 2 on Saturday morning.

Holt-Fitz got the bragging rights over his mates with a starring performance in the Tigers win in damp conditions.

Story and Image: NT News: http://www.ntnews.com.au/sport/afl/tennant-creek-quartet-go-undeafated-through-their-tour-of-ireland-against-local-teams/news-story/10c969554866baac3542f3e5740c4064

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The following article by Russell Jackson at The Guardian explores the journey and AFL career to date of St Kilda’s American import, Jason Holmes. On the back of his best season to date, Holmes is now in pre-season for the Saints’ 2016 campaign.

Up close the modern AFL footballer is a far different physical specimen than his predecessors of the last few decades, far more sinewy and slight. On account of his finely-calibrated diet and training regime and the relentless pursuit of success, he’s closer in shape to a middle distance runner than a wide receiver, as was once the case.

This is a good thing, in many respects. The AFL footballer is now faster, stronger and more physically resourceful than ever and generally more skilled too, concepts not lost on St Kilda ruckman Jason Holmes when he emerged from almost total obscurity in 2015 to become the first born and bred American to play in the AFL. It was a truly remarkable achievement for a college basketballer who’d never properly watched a full game, let alone played in one, before the Saints secured him as an international rookie.

That debut might have happened sooner, in actual fact. Holmes had been on the verge of selection late in 2014, which is scarcely believable when you consider the increased physical toll of his new vocation and its myriad tactical complexities or take in his spindly 6’6” frame up close, as I do when he walks out of a team meeting at St Kilda’s Seaford training base, head and shoulders taller than many team-mates.

In round 21 this year Holmes reached a summit in both a figurative and literal sense, joining the ranks of elite Australian rules footballers and from the first moments of his debut against Geelong, soaring high over the top of opponents to dish out 34 hit-outs in a heart-stopping draw. He played the final two games of the season too, more than whetting his appetite for bigger and better things in coming years.

To read the full article at the Guardian, follow this link: http://www.theguardian.com/sport/2015/dec/28/2015-newsmaker-jason-holmes-the-afls-first-born-and-bred-american

Photo Credit: Michael Wilson/AFL Media/Getty Images ...

2016 will see clubs gearing up for the new season and contemplating their strategies. Two years ago WFN orchestrated a survey of techniques used by leagues around the world for growing the game and to gauge their effectiveness. We repeat those suggestions with the addition of some new ones (from feedback) in a quick reference format and with a quick summation.

At a basic level it was found.

01. Word of mouth via players, friends or colleagues, was at least moderately effective 89%.
02. Formulating a website or Facebook page was at least moderately effective 75% (add Twitter)
03. Posting in prominent places like sports, shopping and educational centres, surprisingly had little effect 69% and modest effect 13%.
04. Media promotion, as in flyers, newspapers, radio, TV or internet also had little effect at 55% and modest effect 26%.

05. Tournaments or challenge matches of a promotional nature like I.R. were popular 60%, with about half having a moderate or better response at 27%.

Most of the following hadn't generally been tried or wasn't applicable to the club's particular circumstances but enough had made the effort.
06. Most hadn't paid media promotion as in flyers, newspapers, radio, TV or internet 67% with little benefit to those who had 22%.
07. Just over half had not participated in community sports gala events or fairs at 55% with 19% overall achieving moderate or better response.
08. Most hadn't secured the appearance of a prominent personality, player, coach at 69% but more were effective 16% than not 15%.
09. Just over half had not taken part in exhibition games at a more prominent event at 55% with 16% overall saying it was worthwhile.
10. About half had co-operated with other codes to share resources at 49% with about half having a moderate or better result at 23%.

Again, most clubs hadn't attempted the following because of the obvious difficulty but were generally worthwhile where attempted.
11. Most hadn't tried establishing women's football 55% but otherwise very effective at 35%.
12. Most hadn't tried establishing youth football 73% but those who did were more effective at 16% than not.
13. About half had tried establishing recreational football variants 53% with about half having a moderate or better result at 27%
14. Most hadn't tried establishing indoor football 75% but it was very effective in Northern climates only if the cost was moderate.
15. Most hadn't tried conducting junior football clinics as part of their club 67% or generated limited results at 12%.
16. Most hadn't approached other sporting or educational organisations to run with Auskick 58% or received limited response at 15%.
    (Though difficult to achieve, more programs are being established by individuals and a potential argument for cost/benefit analysis funding)

Individual feedback suggestions that have worked at least once.
17. Using football variants as a fitness pitch and introduction to regular football.
18. Using social viewing parties, of AFL games or special events like G.F., ANZAC Day, Australia Day.
19. Working closely with local publicans and sponsors.
20. Closer networking and co-operation with local clubs.
21. Networking with Brother Club Project to widen links.
22. Approaching Universities as sources of recruitment.
23. Reaching out to Australians in the local community.
24. Exchange programs.
25. Differentiate between AFL and other sports.

With regards suggestion #25.
Most people start out by saying what it is not or as a mixture of other sports giving a somewhat non-defined image to the attendee.
Rather we could say that Australian Football is a free flowing game where the object is to move the ball downfield by kicking, catching and hand-balling
to within range of a target of two tall posts and kicking the ball through those goalposts to score.
We could also note the fact that a ball that is kicked travels far & fast and as such has led to a fast, physical, spectacular game with the minimum of overhead .
As it is a game largely without restriction, other football and other sports have some elements in common with Australian football.

The 2014 survey also delved into bit of a wish list and there was a wide range of suggested resource assistance.
One particularly strong theme that appeared was the desire to establish a stronger links with footballing Australians.
In that regard WFN has been trying to encourage overseas clubs to raise the profile of Australian Football overseas
by broadcasting their stories, by being pro-active in forging links and fostering co-operation within the footballing community.
A petition to raise the awareness of the AFL International Cup would be an example of that.

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The AFL's All Australian team was announced back in September.  State of Origin football is in a long hiatus - but theoretical State teams are announced each year - the ones on the AFL Player's Association site here for 2015 are worth a look.  They take in Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia as well as an Allies team (NT, Tasmania, ACT, Queensland and NSW). 

But what about the rest of the world? If the Rest of the World were to play against any of the teams above, what is the best team they could muster?  Using the International Cup eligibility rules we have named the 2015 World Team (so this does not include foreign born but Australian raised players).  As with the International Cup the coach can be Australian but should have a strong link with international football.  We intend this team to be an annual announcement going forward.

In addition to those currently on AFL lists there are two players that have played in premierships in the O&MFL the past two seasons after having previously played with AFL clubs and three players named on the interchange bench that have all played in the International Cup for their country and also played senior footy in strong Victorian leagues in 2015.

Here is our 2015 World Team

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Some clubs across the world are brushing off the lethargy that goes with the festive season and cranking up their machines for the 2016 season. Many clubs, however, such as Scotland’s Kingdom Kangaroos have used their off season to shore up their futures and prepare to hit the 2016 season running. The following article from the Kingdom Kangaroos website looks at the club’s off-season recruiting drive.

By all accounts the Kingdom Kangaroos had a good year in 2015, a few league wins saw them finish 3rd in the SARFL.

Long time player and secretary for the club Charlie Snedden said that while his side were improving year on year, there was still a lot to do in 2016.

“2015 was a good year for us, we had a few players come to us from the local rugby clubs in their off season” he said.

“On paper we had a great team, unlike last year, it was a bit easier to get a team on the field each week as our presence in the local area has been noticed.”

The side have roped in Mark Flanagan as their coach again this year, and he has brought extensive knowledge to the team.

Snedden said the club were on “full blown recruitment drive” and that coach and a new alliance with Kirkcaldy High School and the Active Schools coordinators were sure to make all the difference.

“We may have a few retirements from last season, all difficult to replace in terms of talent, experience, commitment and drive,” he said.

“There is always space for a few retiree cameos if we can twist arm or two.

However, I am quietly confident that we will post more wins than last season, but the most important thing is to continue building or club, to create a sustainable and enjoyable club atmosphere with a culture and attitude that will engender success in the future.”

Snedden “We are a very inclusive team that caters for and enjoys a wide range of ages, personalities and skill levels.”

Following a recent award of £1700 from the Coalfields Regeneration Trust the team will be embarking on targeted recruitment drive.

“We want to increase female participation in AFL and provide a pathway for junior girls and boys to progress and continue playing footy into the women’s and juniors open competitions, as well as welcoming anyone who wants to come and try AFL at any age or point of life.

To follow the Kingdom Kangaroos club, go to their website at: http://kingdomkangaroos.com/

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As the push for a national women’s AFL competition continues to go from strength to strength, an argument about the possibility of women’s matches being played as curtain-raisers to AFL matches has grown. As the women’s game continues to grow both across Australia and abroad, any type of positive publicity generated by the women’s game will only aid that growth.

The following arguments are from an article on the www.afl.com.au website, written by Matt Thompson and Nat Edwards, looking at the various for and against debates on the issue.  Some of the points would also resonate with other women’s competitions in terms of strategies for the future growth of the women’s game across the world.

Yes - the perfect curtain-raiser

AS THE AFL pushes towards a fully-fledged women's competition in 2017, the only way for it to work is to become the standard curtain-raiser to men's games every weekend.

As a one-off TV event in 2015, the year's second women's game between the Western Bulldogs and Melbourne attracted significant viewers. But the proof will be in the pudding when it comes to long-term success. 

There's no doubt the AFL will be very careful about the way the new League is implemented, but stand-alone is not the way to go.

It's essential the new teams are aligned with current brands, as the Demons and Bulldogs have done so well already. And to that point, the teams need to match the men's game when the new League is introduced.

It's crucial that there's a legitimate reason for fans to engage with the women's team, because it's the only way to ensure growth.

Fans are going to be a critical part of the women's League, and by integrating with the men's teams every step of the way, they'll be able to latch onto the already established supporter base.

So too will television coverage, and you'd expect the AFL to twist the arm of its current partners to get the games on air.

While the ratings were good for a stand-alone game, if the novelty does wear off, the League will need the broadcasters to stick with the concept.

There's absolutely an argument for a women's league growing the supporter base of Australian football, but we have to begin with including the fans we've got.

Curtain-raisers are the best answer to making the Women's League a success. - Matt Thompson

No - women's footy should be standalone games

THERE is no doubt that if a national women's competition is to be successful, the teams need to be aligned with the current clubs in the AFL.

What they don't need is to become a "support act" for the men every weekend. They deserve their own stage, and the chance to take ownership of the footy field, rather than play second fiddle.

In fact, there are some examples already in sport, that show having standalone games for females, and perhaps more radically a standalone season, is the key to long-term success.

Let's look at the English Football Association. The Women's Super League, which has teams aligned to English Premier League clubs, is played across the summer months as a standalone competition.

When the WSL was introduced in 2011, to supersede the winter-run Women's Premier League, the number of fans attending games increased by a staggering 604 per cent.

Crowd figures have continued to grow during the summer WSL competition, increasing from an average of 550 per match in 2011 to 1,076 in 2015.

As it is, footy fans are already inundated with football during the winter months. There's AFL, WAFL, TAC Cup, local leagues- the list goes on. With so much on, it's impossible and somewhat tiring to try and consume everything.

The appetite for footy is becoming so great in the off-season, that it isn't inconceivable to play the women's competition as a standalone season that runs for 8-12 weeks after the men's Grand Final.

Better weather and a hunger for more footy would draw bigger crowds to watch the women battle it out on the field.

It would also give these talented ladies a chance to prove their brand of football is good enough to take centre stage. - Nat Edwards

The article can be found at: http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-01-05/is-womens-footy-the-perfect-curtainraiser ...

The Odense Lions in Denmark have used their off-season very wisely, recruiting a new head coach for both the Lions men’s team and the Lionesses women’s team. They have also been recruiting players that will take them the next step towards being a power in the DAFL.

The following article comes from the Lions’ website detailing their recruiting ahead of the new season.

The new head coach of Odense, Gerard Lenihan, who goes by the name Lenny, is far from unfamiliar with Australian football. He has gained experience from around the world and even played semi-professionally in Australia. To understand this passionate, Irish warrior, and how he was Odense's new coach, we must look back to when Lenny was even introduced to our sport.

Before Lenny fell for Australian football, he cultivated a sport called hurling. An old, hockey-like sport is most widespread in Ireland. Due to his performance in this sport, he was invited to try Australian football. The invitation came from the former president of Kenmore Bears, an AFL club in Brisbane, Australia. The invitation came with the message "you have an AFL player's characteristics." He accepted the challenge and turned up for a trial without any experience of Australian football. It was also the first time Lenny had an oval ball in his hands. This is a good example of a man who is not afraid of new challenges and the unknown. Traits that also led him to choose the role of Odense's head coach.

Lenny did not have to wait long for his first major football superstar moment. His talent and hard work made him in 2011 was selected for Ireland's national team that participated in the world championships in football in Australia. Along with his Irish teammates, he played in the World Cup final against Papua New Guinea on the biggest stage in Australia, with capacity for 100,000 spectators. Not only Lenny played every minute of the final, he also won the title with his team, and took the trophy back to Ireland.

Following the success of the national team, Lenny continued his football career. Here he found himself in both Chile Boston in the United States and China, where he was involved in the training and organization of Australian football. Odense is therefore not only a very experienced coach, but a coach who has been involved in the development of clubs and introduction of our sport to people who do not win an oval football. He can lift both our teams, both the men participating in the Danish Australian Football League, and the women in the Women's Nordic Australian Football League.

It is clear that our new head coach will bring energy and experience to Odense. This is a giant step in Australian football history in Odense. We hope it will make the experience for our members even better. 2016 looks to be an excellent season with a new track, new coach and new players.

In addition to their new Lions’ coach, the highly experienced Gavin Ward has been named coach of the Lionesses team for 2016, bringing another layer of welcome know-how to the club’s coaching ranks. They have also recruited a former QAFL player in Tom Ielasi, a midfielder/forward who played for the Western Magpies in Queensland and will bring his experience to the club in an on-field capacity.

Their new ruckman is also from Australia, and the club introduced him on their fanpage as: "Australian Football in Odense is happy to announce another addition to the coaching staff and our DAFL squad for 2016. Justin Kristensen has booked his flight to Denmark and is looking to join us on the 16th of February. Justin is an 29 year old Australian with more than 20 years of football experience from his former club East Brighton in the southern part of Australia. Everyone in Odense are very excited about the deal with Justin Kristensen, being an tall player with a strong physique and many years of experience in the ruck where he will surely strengthen the team. Justin will work with head coach Gerard Lenihan and share his experience with the rest of the team in Odense and help us improve and develop our great club. The 2016 season can't come fast enough now"

After enduring a winless 2015 season, the Lions have certainly set about the task of resurrecting the club’s fortunes for 2016 on and off the field. ...