In late 2015 AFL New Zealand broke new ground with their inaugural draft for the 2016 AFL New Zealand Premiership. A four team super league is you will. This time around the draft was held again but with a 2nd year variation – each of the 4 sides was able to retain 13 of their list – a base roster – from the 2016 season to provide a level of continuity.

The 2017 competition will again see matches played over 9 rounds at Auckland’s QBE Stadium at North Harbour. The first round of matches will start on February 12th culminating in the final round on April 9th.

The timing of the Premiership season as distinct to the regular August-December regional leagues – allows for the inclusion of Australian based players. For AFL NZ this should provide the perfect launching pad for an assault on the 2017 AFL International Cup.

The draft this year was held in late November – many of the players and coaches though still have club duties to fulfil as the local seasons wrap up.

The teams also have confirmed their off-field line ups – with assistant coaches recently confirmed. James Monoghan takes on the role with the Southern Saints. He is a 10 year veteran of the game in NZ, being a junior graduate and a 2008 IC representative. He is currently engaged with Auckland’s University Blues who take on the Waitakere Magpies in todays Auckland AFL Grand Final.

John Jackson will assist the Northern Suns, and he too is busy today – coaching his white hot Eastern Bulldogs in the Wellington AFL Grand Final. Jackson was the captain of the New Zealand (at the time Falcons) 2002 International Cup campaign (finished 3rd behind Ireland and PNG) and has been involved in coaching around Wellington. His other ‘hat’ is that of President of the Poneke Rugby Club – and is symbolic of the fact that many Rugby players play AFL in their off season.

The Western Crows have picked up Kieran Houlker – who is heavily involved in junior talent programmes around Wellington and the AFL New Zealand Academy.

The Central Giants have picked up Auckland based Michael Lentini who will be mentored by head coach Rob Malone. Lentini has recently commenced coaching within the junior development programme and will gain valuable experience in this role during Premiership season.

The draft itself this year ran in late November. The #1 picks not quite as well known as last year – however in many cases give a good guide to the developing talent. The Western Crows picked up Waitakere Magpies defender Josh Copeland. The Southern Saints opted for Josh Morgan-Ranui, a 17 year old from Wellington. The Central Giants picked up Christchurch Bulldogs mid Wayne Sullivan while the Northern Suns picked up 32 year old Peter Halstead who today will ruck for his Eastern Suburb Bulldogs in the Wellington AFL Grand Final.

2017 AFL New Zealand Premiership Season Schedule
QBE Stadium, North Harbour

The Western Crows were crowned 2016 champions, finishing top of the table ahead of the Southern Saints, Central Giants and the Northern Suns. ...

The 2016 AFL Youth Oceania Cup junior football carnival gets under way this morning in Suva, Fiji. Teams and players from 5 South Pacific nations will compete in the most significant tournament for a number of years.

The Fiji Sports Commission has provided support for this years event – that sees an extended programme across the first 2 weeks of December.

The traditional U/15 boys tournament plays out this week and the 5 competing nations are Fiji Jnr Tribe, Nauru Stars, Solomon Islands Sharks, Tonga Thunder, Vanuatu Volcano's.

There will also be a girls component with Fiji junior Vonu girls academy matches played Dec 8 & 9.

The following across the end of this week and early next week an Australian U/14 ‘Wanderers’ squad plays the Fiji U/14 Juniors in a 4 test series with matches Dec 8 & 9 and then again Dec 14 & 15.

In the U/15 boys, the hosts Fiji are optimistic about their chances of taking it right up to the defending champions in Nauru. As reported Sunday in the Fiji Times with AFL Fiji Development officer Simon Highfield indicating that the side has prepared well.

Solomon Sharks representatives:

Fiji last won the title in 2014 and before that 2012. Earlier incarnations of the tournament included NZ and PNG however the structure now sees this competition as the primary selection trial for the South Pacific Nations team which after incorporation of PNG and NZ players sees the full squad to compete in Australia.

The defending champions – the Nauru Stars – resplendent in their Digicel and Bendigo Bank sponsored uniforms were on the verge of frustration due to lack of Government support and high airfares – however families have dug deep to get the squad airborne. Nauru also won in 2013 and will continue a developing healthy rivalry with the Fiji Tribe. The Nauru Stars squad of 24 is based on merit and also discipline with some players clearly good enough having missed selection on disciplinary grounds.

Tonga as well have faced financial troubles and have arrived with a reduced squad - but todays Fiji Times reports team manager Matani Nifofa that after beginning the preparations way back in January that they are happy to be here (in Fiji). There was extra effort to avoid any overage players (an issue last year).

Day 1 schedule

The Auckland AFL Grand Final was one for the ages - as the Waitakere Magpies held off the reigning premiers - University Blues - for a narrow 7 pt win

AFL New Zealand report that in ideal conditions the Magpies got off to a flier with 3 quick goals, and were on top early largely via the efforts of mids Carlos Donnell-Brown, captain Shane Leat and the experience Dave Rattenbury.

The Blues fought back into the contest, rallied by their coach Chris Mundell. The dangerous Blues focal point Thomas Taungakava was well held most the game but when Magpies defender Ben Pine was moved up field; Taungakva was able to work into the game with a couple of late goals - the Blues kept coming and whittled the deficit down to just 5 points with 5 minutes to play. That was as close as they got to perhaps pinching an unlikely win. The Magpies absorbed the pressure and held on by 7 points to be deserving winners over a worthy opponent.

The Magpies last won the pennant in 2013, but after such a successful season and with a solid and talented squad - they are clearly the bookmakers favourite for next year - in early markets!! Leading goal kicker Bradn Johnson (an Australian) was again a key target up forward with 4 majors, ably assisted by Jamie Hunt with 2. The 'Wells Medal' for BOG went to Carlos Donnell-Brown who wrapped up a very successful finals campaign for the Pies. For the vanquished - full forward Nick Trask slotted 3 while better players included Steph Tabaillou and Conrad Doggett. ...

Day 1 of the 2016 Oceania Youth Cup tournament has again fired up with a round robin Lightning Carnival. The 4 nations able to attend this year have warmed up for the week ahead. The following report is courtesy of Ben Drew - AFL South Pacific Development Manager.

It certainly was a fantastic day of footy with Nauru hanging on to again take the Lightning Carnival in 2016. All 4 teams were terrific in their matches and already you can see the improvement from 9am this morning to now.

Teams played each other once in a round robin fixture playing 2 x halves.

The Nauru Stars started well with a tough win over a physical Tonga Thunder side, Fiji Jnr Tribe were too strong for the Solomon Islands Sharks who are back for the first time since 2012! Round 2 saw a wonderful game between Tonga & Solomon Islands with the Tongan team just kicking 2 goals very late to take a win. The Solomon Islands boys had some lightening passages transitioning the ball from Defence to attack with speed, they just failed to take their chances. It was a great game!

Fiji & Nauru played a nail biter which came down to Nauru being Smart with the ball and playing tempo footy against the breeze to hold on for a win. The next game saw a tired Fiji playing a fresh Tonga team! Tonga took it right up to Fiji and nearly took the points. Fiji had a shot after the siren to win, managed a point and scores finished level. A fitting end!

The day was spectacular with an amazing facility at Albert Park, great Support from the Fiji Sports Commission and Coke came down with plenty of Powerade for the players!

Tomorrow the Oceania Cup begins with teams playing 4 quarter footy at Albert Park. First Game at 10am with Fiji v Nauru then Solomon Islands v Tonga at 11 and Nauru v Tonga to finish the day at 1pm

Great start to the carnival and we are looking forward to more great footy over the next 4 days!

Match Results – Lightening Carnival

The late Graeme Wilson would have been so proud to see the Solomon Sharks in attendance :

Collingwood’s Kendra Heil will miss the inaugural AFLW season with scans confirming a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee.

Heil was injured innocuously during a training session last Tuesday. It is her third ACL injury, having undergone a reconstruction to her left knee in early 2016 and another to her right knee in 2008.

Ontario-born Heil relocated to Australia in 2013 to pursue Australian rules football after being a standout performer with the Hamilton Wildcats in the Australian Football League of Ontario.

The 28-year-old was recruited to Collingwood as a free agent from the Eastern Devils in the VFL Women's state league.

Collingwood AFLW Operations Manager Meg Hutchins said that Heil will remain an important part of the team in its inaugural season.

“The injury news is disappointing for Kendra who was so excited to have the opportunity to play for Collingwood in the first national women’s AFL competition,” Hutchins said.

“The club will support Kendra throughout her recovery, and knowing her hard-working attitude towards her training, I’m sure she’ll be extremely diligent with her rehab.

“While we would have loved to see her on the ground, Kendra still has a lot to offer and will play an important part of Collingwood’s inaugural AFLW season off the ground.”

Heil will undergo surgery in the coming weeks and the club will now work with the AFL to secure a replacement player
  ...

Again - the below match reports are courtesy of AFL Pacific Development officer Ben Drew.

Today saw Day 1 of the Oceania Cup component of the festival. With teams transitioning to 4 x quarter football on a fantastic Suva day!

Game 1 was a replay of the 2015 Grand final with Nauru Stars taking on Fiji Jnr Tribe. It was a close tough match all day with the ball moving up and down the ground quickly all game. In the end the Nauru Stars ability to have patience with the ball and hit their targets through the middle of the ground showed through for a hard fought win. The Fiji Jnr tribe worked hard and never gave up giving themselves every chance to run over the top of the Nauru team. In the end, The Nauru Stars used their bench very well rotating their players to keep fresh legs and kick 3 late goals in the 3rd to make it hard for the Fiji team. A fantastic game, close and tough! both team were terrific!

Game 2 was an epic close battle between 2 teams still very much learning the game. It was close, tough, fast and both teams worked tirelessly with their tackling pressure. The Tongan thunder were brilliant in with their tackling and pressure around the ball, the bigger, taller Tongan team held onto their marks early and had the run of the game in the first half just not able to convert through the middle. In the end the Solomon Islands sharks kicked a goal in the second quarter and held on to their small lead defending with all their heart as the Tongan Thunder had the ball in their forward 50 for most of the last quarter. The Solomon island Sharks held on for a fantastic morale boosting with proving that they are super competitive against all opponents. Coach David Holo is already dreaming of the 2017 campaign!

Game 3 and the Tongan Thunder took it right up to the defending champions the Nauru Stars. The stars didn't have it all their own way with the Tongan team tackling and moving the ball up the ground quickly to have every chance to kick goals. As the Nauru Stars steadied and rebounded the ball efficiently from half back they were able to capitalise on their chances and reward the effort with kicking goals. The Tongans never gave up and hit the post twice, but the Nauruan registered their second win of the day to sit on top of the ladder going into the break.

Tomorrow will see all the teams complete a rehab session at the Damadoor Pool in Suva then head back over to Albert Park for some education session on - Social Media, Health & Wellbeing with the Fiji Ministry of Health & a Stop Violence against Women session with the Ministry of Women.

Thursday will see the games back on at Albert Park, Check the AFL South Pacific Nations Facebook page for all updates

Match Results – Oceania Cup Day 1

In slightly late news, the Tokyo Goannas wrapped up the 2016 AFL Japan season with a 40 point win over the Senshu Powers on Sunday November 27, held under lights at the Yokohama Country & Athletic Club.

Across the weekend just gone the season was wrapped up with the 2016 AFL Japan Awards night including the highlight of the evening - the naming of the 2016 'Peter Wilson Medalist'.

Looking ahead AFL Japan is setting sights on Melbourne 2017 and the International Cup in August next year. AFL Japan are taking registrations of interest and have set a December winter training schedule with more news to come with respect to January and February. The build up begins.

2016 AFL Japan Awards - the winnersPremiership team: Tokyo Goannas Leading goalkicker: Shoki MUKODAKA (POW)Rsing star: Yudai YAMAJI (MAG)Best umpire: Ryosuke SATO (POS) Person of distinguished service: Brett QUALTROUGH (POS) Team of distinguished service: Senshu Powers Peter Wilson Medalist: Sam GIRARDELLO (GOA), Shoki MUKODAKA (POW) Dream Team: [FF] Yoshiharu SASAKI (POW) [HF] Dan LAST (GOA), Shoki MUKODAKA (POW) [R] Michito SAKAKI (LIO) [Ruck] Sam GHIRARDELLO (GOA) [RR] Yusei HASEGAWA (LIO) [HB] Tsuyoshi KASE (HAW), Hisayoshi OURA (SUN) [FB] Dean DOWEY (LIO) Interchange: [HF] Yudai YAMAJI (MAG) [R] Junpei ITO (POW) [HB] Kohei KAGEYAMA (SUN) Key: HAW: Eastern Hawks; MAG: Kmoazawa Magpies; POS: Shonan Poseidons; LIO: R246 Lions; POW: Senshu Powers; GOA: Tokyo Goannas; SUN: Tokyo Bay Suns

2016 AFL Japan Grand Final result

In their only previous meeting this year back in round 3 (Late June) - the Goannas had a tough time, getting home by 9 points, 9.15.(69) over the Powers 8.12.(60). Overall the Goannas hold sway comfortably head to head, however, on the basis of this close result and the Goannas finishing top, clear of the Powers only by percentage - the stage was set for a competitive decider.

Victorious Goannas:

Grand finals Senshu Powers

...

The Australian Football League (AFL) today announced it would partner with Australia-wide Insurance Broker JLT (Jardine Lloyd Thompson) for the pre-season competition for the next three years, with today’s launch of the JLT Community Series in Melbourne. 

AFL General Manager Clubs and AFL Operations Travis Auld joined with JLT Chief Executive Leo Demer to announce the fixture for the 2017 JLT Community Series, which will see all 18 teams play three matches across a four-week stretch between Thursday February 16 and Sunday March 12, to lead into the 2017 Toyota AFL Premiership Season. 

‘JLT is the National Insurance Broker for the AFL, our 18 clubs and the State Associations across the country, with a relationship now of 13 years with football from the grassroots through to elite level of the game,” Mr Auld said

. 

‘JLT is an incredibly important contributor to the game as they are the driving force behind our National Risk and Protection program for community football leagues around Australia, and we are delighted they have chosen to partner the AFL for our pre-season competition. 

‘JLT provide an exceptional service for all 18 AFL Clubs and our State Associations, and ensure that our players and volunteers are protected, and now they will have a key role as football returns in 2017,” he said.  

Mr Demer said JLT was delighted to raise the level of its partnership with Australia’s only indigenous game, as the spread of matches across all parts of Australia reflected its role in supporting the game no matter where it was played. 

“Every AFL player across one of the AFL clubs began his career in a small community, be it in a metropolitan, regional or country area, that has followed his every step through to reaching the elite level,” Mr Demer said. 

“At JLT, we support football communities in every part of Australia who love the game, and the JLT Community Series will take matches to so many locations across the country where fans can see their favourite stars up close. 

“I am delighted to be able to announce that in 2017, games will be played at Manuka Oval (ACT); Albury, Blacktown, Coffs Harbour and Narrandera (New South Wales); Broadbeach and Mackay (Queensland); Mt Gambier, Noarlunga and Richmond Oval (South Australia); Launceston (Tasmania); Arden Street, Bendigo, Casey Fields, Ikon Park, Moe and Whitten Oval (Victoria); Geraldton and Mandurah (Western Australia) as we play more matches than ever in community locations,” he said. 

Six matches will be played across each of the first three weekends of games - giving all clubs one bye - with every club playing on the final weekend. 

Mr Auld said the first match of the JLT Community Series will see Collingwood play Essendon at Etihad Stadium on Thursday February 16 while reigning premiers the Western Bulldogs would return to their spiritual home at the VU Whitten Oval later that weekend, when they host Melbourne on Saturday February 18. 

Newly-appointed Brisbane Lions’ coach Chris Fagan will have an immediate introduction to senior ranks in the opening weekend of the competition with a cross-state match-up against the Gold Coast Suns at Kombumerri Oval, Broadbeach. 

Mr Auld said the AFL was delighted that all 27 matches would again be exclusively broadcast on television live by Fox Footy and, in addition, every match will also be made available live to fans via the AFL Live App.

For the third successive season, AFL club members with game access will be entitled to attend next year's matches free of charge, subject to availability. 

“Many of those communities cannot regularly access AFL football during our premiership season, due to distance or other constraints, and it is incredibly important that we take matches in the JLT Community Series to venues that don’t usually host games when we have the opportunity to do so,” Mr Auld said. 

“I wish to thank Foxtel and Telstra for continuing to support our game with the decision to support all 27 matches in the 2017 JLT Community Series with a live telecast. 

“The broadcasts of these games is the first occasion the young players chosen in last month’s NAB AFL Draft will have the opportunity to showcase their wares for their new teams and begin the chase the ultimate prize in our game, the AFL premiership.” 

  ...

A reminder that Wednesday was a rest day, so after Tuesdays first day of four quarter championship matches - today saw the 2nd batch of four quarter games. The report below again provided by Ben Drew AFL South Pacific Development Manager.

Wednesday was a rest day and at 8:30am teams were sent to the Damadoor Aquatic centre for recovery session with Michael Hyndman from AFLQLD, the teams were then dropped off to Albert Park and taken through Social Media & Respect & Responsibility workshops. From 1pm Andrew Hughes from the AFL gathered all the coaches and took them through a coaching masterclass session.

A solid mark for Nauru.

Match Results From Day 3 of the Oceania Cup in Suva, Fiji.

This was the conclusion of the round robin matches with Grand Finals set for Friday afternoon at 1pm & 2pm.

Game 4: Fiji Defeated Tonga in a tight contest. The Fijians were on top all day but the Tongans fought back late a terrific 50m goal from Inesi to send a scare through the Fijian team. In the end Fiji were able to hold on to a 3 goal victory. The match was fierce with tackling pressure up and no space available in the contest. Both teams were terrific and ran the game out well after the day off yesterday.

Match Results: Oceania Cup – Day 2

Game 5: The scoreboard didn't show the true reflection of the match, the Solomon Islands had plenty of opportunities to score but were wayward in their kicking for goal and the Nauruans were excellent in getting back in defence. In the end Nauru registered a comfortable win to send them into tomorrow Grand Final. Their skills and ball movement stood out as they transferred the ball from Half back and finished their hard work with goals! The Solomon Islands boys played really well and never gave up.

Game 6: This game was close all day but as the Solomon Islands boys got tired the Fijian fresher legs took over and they kicked 4 goals in the last quarter to seal their victory. The game was played at a frantic pace with the ball going up and down the ground with ease. Big tackles and fast legs took over the game! The final score doesn't show the true reflection of how well the Solomon Islands boys played.

We look forward to Grand Final day tomorrow with plenty of Action taking place

11:30am - Fiji Vonu Girls Development Squad Match 1:00pm - 3 v 4 playoff between Solomon Islands & Tonga 2:00pm - 1 v 2 playoff between Nauru & Fiji (GRAND FINAL) 3:30pm - Australian Wanderers v Fiji Tribe U/14 Test Series match 1 ...

The end of a big week - once again, the following report provided by Ben Drew - AFL South Pacific Development manager.

Today was GRAND FINAL Day for the AFL U/15 Youth Oceania Cup in Fiji.

The weather was beautiful and the footy was terrific!!!

Huge thank you to Fiji Sports Commission & Coke for their partnership for the event! AFL Fiji, Siteri, Simon, Maciu, Matalita, Saula, Isimeli, Yabaki, Jiuta, Mere, Roko, Semesa, Va, Litia & everyone who has volunteered to run boundaries, do the goals & other jobs during the tournament. Once again AFL Fiji has been great in organising this event on the ground!

South Pacific Talent Camp Squad will be announce on the 16th December. Those lucky enough to be invited to the talent camp will be sent information on the requirements for the tour regarding training, travel dates and other important information to know.

The Tonga Thunder turned the table from the pool matches to record a win against the Solomon Islands sharks, the match was fantastic and close all day! The Tongan team were able to kick 2 goals in the last quarter to seal their victory on the last day of the tournament. Goal Kickers: Tonga: Winston Finau 2, Inesi AhomanaSolomon Islands: Carlick KaoraBest Players: Tonga: Inesi Ahomana, Winston Finau, Isileli Angitau, Feofaaki Pulu, Apuliasi Tuifua, Brandon Ikamanu Solomon Islands: Jason Keniaro, Carlick Karoa, Malysha Lea, Rashan Maenuiu, Nigel Willie, Keane Nimepo

Both teams have had a terrific tournament and have done everyone back home proud! Well done the AFL Tonga & AFL Solomon Islands committee's & Volunteers for all the hard work you have put in to have these boys here for the week!

What a fantastic, tough game of football both these teams played! the match was played at a fierce pace with the Fiji team taking it right up to the reigning champions. Nauru was able to settle and take their opportunities in front of goal to have a 2 goal buffer going into the last quarter. The Fijians hit the scoreboard early to get within a goal but the Nauruans hit back strait away. the ball flowed up and down the ground and the Fijians kicked another to be 1 goal down with 2 minutes to go! Fiji had the run of the last quarter but just could not manage to kick that last goal.Goal Kickers: Nauru: Maro Baguga 2, Elijah Agege 2Fiji: Josese Radrovi, Sefanaia Kaivei, Livai TuilovoniBest Players: Nauru: Zenus Hiram, Maro Baguga, Elizah Agege, Arlador Temaki, Harvey Timothy, Robawoun Atsime, Karl Hartman, Wise Temaki, Richard Waqa, Johnson Olsson, Woewodin ThomaFiji: Sefanaia Kaivei, Rapoama Bola, Livia Tuilovoni, Josese Radrovi, Alate Tuilevuka, Jolame Vunisa, Saimoni Ravutu, Savu Sausala, Maloni Malumuiri

Again, both teams have competed ferociously and had some close, hard fought matches! The matches have all been played in good spirits and have been very close finishes. Fair to say this match is one of the best to be played at the Youth Oceania Cup in the last 5 years!

Big thank you to both AFL Nauru & AFL Fiji for all the hard work in training, organising and fundraising their teams to be here for the event! The boys have certainly done you all very proud!!! ...

An AFL Evolution is coming in 2017 when the AFL and the AFL Players’ Association release an exciting new video game featuring the best male players from the Toyota AFL Premiership Season.

AFL Evolution is currently in production with AFL licensee Tru Blu Entertainment and in conjunction with Wicked Witch Software. It will be available on next generation consoles PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC Steam.

  Due for release in the first half of 2017, AFL General Manager Commercial Operations Darren Birch acknowledged the importance of video games as a tool to enhance entertainment for fans. 

“It’s no secret that the youth market is highly engaged with a variety of digital brands and properties. So for some time the AFL has identified a need to create a new video game as another entertainment property for footy fans,” Mr Birch said.

“AFL Evolution will deliver a unique experience for footy fans, taking them to the heart of the action in a virtual footy world. 

“The AFL is dedicated to supporting Tru Blu Entertainment and Wicked Witch Software in creating a game that is fun to play for AFL fans and keen gamers alike,” he said. 

AFL Players’ Association General Manager – Commercial, Marketing and Communications Rebecca Chitty said the players were thrilled to deliver this exciting product to the fans.

“This generation of AFL footballers grew up playing video games and this is an opportunity to feature in one that’s sure to have footy fans highly engaged,” Ms Chitty said. 

“Digital is an ever evolving space and the players see this as just another way to grow the game by reaching out to new audiences and showcasing it on different platforms,” she said.

Tru Blu Entertainment’s Managing Director Sebastian Giompaolo said: “We are extremely proud to be releasing another AFL video game. We have produced a number of games across console, PC and mobile platforms and we’re determined to make AFL Evolution the most enjoyable AFL video game we have released.”

In the development of AFL Evolution, AFL players participated in photo shoots taking place at all 18 AFL Clubs with no less than 24 cameras used to simultaneously photograph the players in order to create highly detailed likenesses within the game. 

Fans excited to be involved in the game can take part in an online poll via AFL.com.au to decide on the players who will lead the next AFL Evolution and feature on the game’s cover from today until Thursday December 22.

Players to choose from include:

• Charlie Cameron (Adelaide Crows)

• Josh Schache (Brisbane Lions)

• Patrick Cripps (Carlton)

• Adam Treloar (Collingwood)

• Zach Merrett (Essendon)

• Lachie Neale (Fremantle Dockers)

• Nakia Cockatoo (Geelong Cats)

• Tom Lynch (Gold Coast SUNS)

• Jeremy Cameron (GWS GIANTS)

• James Sicily (Hawthorn)

• Jesse Hogan (Melbourne)

• Ben Brown (North Melbourne)

• Chad Wingard (Port Adelaide)

• Nick Vlastuin (Richmond) 

• Tim Membrey (St Kilda)

• Isaac Heeney (Sydney Swans)

• Jeremy McGovern (West Coast Eagles)

• Marcus Bontempelli (Western Bulldogs) 

Ed. We are hoping that International Cup teams will again be featured as per the previous iteration of AFL video game from Wicked Witch.

About Tru Blu Entertainment:

Tru Blu Entertainment is the video game publishing arm, of Home Entertainment Suppliers Pty Ltd (HES) who specialise in the distribution of games, video game consoles, and accessories throughout the Australian market and throughout the world. Established in 1984, HES are the exclusive Australian distributors of Playseat™ and Tru Blu Games. Tru Blu Games include Rugby Union, Rugby League and AFL franchises on both Microsoft and Sony Gaming Platforms.

About Wicked Witch Software:

Wicked Witch is a provider of exceptional interactive games and applications of games technology and art.  The team at Wicked Witch Software are united by a love of games.  Wicked Witch Software is driven by creating engaging experiences that embrace and contribute to the science and art of digital games.

...

Michael Whiting from the www.afl.com.au website reports that Ireland’s most successful current AFL player, Pearce Hanley, has adjusted well to his new life with the Gold Coast Suns after being traded from the Brisbane Lions at the end of the 2016 season. The following report sheds light on Hanley’s decline at the Lions and his new lease of life down on the Gold Coast.

'Rejuvenated' Hanley confident of finding best form at Suns

EVEN before he's played a game, it's clear to see Pearce Hanley is a new man since moving to Gold Coast.

In his final season at the Brisbane Lions, Hanley was frustrated on-field and up-tight off it.

He'd been with the Lions for nine seasons after being recruited from Ireland – something he's eternally grateful for – but the club and player had fallen out of love. 

During games he was arguing with umpires and teammates, and away from the field he was closed off.

In 129 games, Hanley had been a part of just 38 wins.

Only time will tell how the trade works out for the Queensland rivals, but for Hanley, it's already been a win.

Six weeks into his pre-season, the 28-year-old is more relaxed and says it's physically the best his body has been since hip surgery almost two years ago.

He is living on the beach at Burleigh Heads and has fitted in right away with his new teammates.

"I wasn't happy last year, I think everyone could see that," Hanley told AFL.com.au.

"The change-up has definitely rejuvenated me.

"I played every game last year, but it's probably the worst my body's felt.

"(High performance manager Justin Cordy) JC's been absolutely incredible. I think they're going to get the best out of me, whereas I didn't see that happening in Brissie."

Hanley's best football is mouth-watering, with an ability to break lines with both his run and arrow-like kicking.

He can execute kicks other players simply don't have the vision to attempt.

The midfielder has already shown off his skills at Suns training and there's a quiet feeling around the club he is already in their best handful of players.

Hanley said he was confident he could regain his best form.

"I've got higher expectations of myself than anyone else," he said.

"Last year at Brisbane wasn't good mentally.

"Physically I didn't feel good either. I was plugging a few holes last year, and this year they see me as a vital part of their team and I look forward to them having faith in me and me repaying them.

"No doubt about it. I'm looking to get back to my 2014 form before my hip surgery."

Hanley will have an extended stint in Ireland over Christmas – three weeks – to spend time with his ill younger brother.

"The club's been absolutely amazing."  

The original story can be found at: http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-12-16/rejuvenated-hanley-confident-of-finding-best-form-at-suns ...

Matthew Agius has reported on the Port Adelaide Power website, www.portadelaidefc.com.au , that a recent visit to China has the club better prepared and well placed ahead of the historic match against the Gold Coast Suns in Round 8 next season.    

Successful China trip has Power well-placed for historic game

WHETHER it was Ken Hinkley taking on former world No. 1 table tennis champion Wang Liquin, presenting Australia’s game to a congregation of China’s leading media or educating Shanghai schools about Australian Football, Port Adelaide’s promotional tour last week was warmly received according to club CEO Keith Thomas.

Six players, Hinkley and head of high performance Darren Burgess travelled with a dozen club officials to Shanghai in a joint reconnaissance-promotional exercise.

While Thomas and the Power’s head of China strategy Andrew Hunter met with media and government officials in the city, Hinkley and his team were busy training and meeting locals on the ground in Shanghai.

It gave Port a chance to present the public face of what will be a significant moment on May 14 when it hosts Gold Coast in a historic premiership season game in China’s second largest city. 

“It was a success – there’s plenty more to do, though,” Thomas said. 

“What we come away with is positivity that we’re welcome in Shanghai, and that we can look forward to showcasing Australia to the world through Port Adelaide and the AFL in May. 

“We presented to China’s local and national media agencies, and government officials from Shanghai and the Yangpu district where the game will be held, and they are all very excited about May’s event. 

“It won’t just be about football - although that’s obviously our main concern – we’ll be bringing the best of Australian industry to the game to give China a taste of Australia, and what Australian business can offer the world.” 

For more than 40,000 already-signed-up members – football is the chief concern of Port Adelaide and its supporter base. 

It’s why Hinkley, Burgess and the six players led by skipper Travis Boak used the trip to learn more about the Jiangwan Stadium. 

 “We needed to get our footy guys familiar with what life in Shanghai will be like. It’s a 14-hour trip to get there from Adelaide, we put them in the hotel they’ll stay in during game-week, they familiarised themselves with local transport, they toured the stadium, saw the rooms, trained throughout the week,” Thomas said. 

“It’s an unprecedented logistical exercise, but we’ve come away with significant local knowledge, which will help us in Round 8.”

The original story can be found at: http://www.portadelaidefc.com.au/news/2016-12-12/china-trip-a-success-but-plenty-more-to-go  ...

After debuts by India at IC08 and then Pakistan at IC14 their Sri Lankan neighbours could be next to make their International Cup debut.  A talent search and fundraising effort to bring a team from Sri Lanka to compete in the 2017 AFL International Cup is underway.

The organisers were recently interviewed on Channel 31 in Melbourne on the Sri Lankan Morning Show.  They have conducted clinics in Sri Lanka to find the talent to fill out their team and have been assisted by players from Essendon (Courtenay Dempsey) and Carlton (Ed Curnow, Harry McKay and Jesse Glass-McCasker).

The interview can be seen below and tells the story so far.  If you would like to help their fundraising efforts you can contact them at info@afsl.org.au and you can follow their journey on their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SLAFLEngagement/ 

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