23-year-old radio presenter and freelance sports journalist Jackson Clark is embarking on a nomadic football journey where he aims to open the conversation about mental health between football clubs and its members.

Over the next couple of months, Clark will travel to all states and territories across Australia in the aim of being the first person to play at least one game of football in each state in the one season.

“We all know someone that is suffering from a mental illness.” Clark said.

The 2017 NAB AFL Academy Level 1 Squad will depart for Wellington today as part of a High Performance Camp that will include a clash against an open-age New Zealand side on Monday, April 24 at Westpac Stadium.

The challenge match will be the sixth year an Australian Under 17s side has played against a New Zealand team, with players part of this year’s Level 1 Squad following in the footsteps of Melbourne’s Jesse Hogan, West Coast Eagles’ Dom Sheed, GWS’ Josh Kelly, St Kilda’s Luke Dunstan and Jack Billings, North Melbourne’s Luke McDonald and Gold Coast Suns’ Jack Martin who were part of the NAB AFL Academy in 2012.

AFL National and International Talent Manager Kevin Sheehan said the opportunity to represent Australia and develop as individuals and footballers presented an incredible opportunity for NAB AFL Academy members.

“Australia’s best under 17 players really value the opportunity to play for their country against another country in a foreign environment,” Sheehan said.

“To be playing on the day before Anzac Day, a day that means so much to both countries, is a significant honour for these young men.

"This annual match also provides a pathway for New Zealand’s best players to also wear their country’s colours and test themselves against some of the best young players in Australia.”

The match will be played at Westpac Stadium in Wellington at 11.30am and will be followed by both teams attending the Anzac Day Dawn service the following day to pay tribute to our service men and women.

The Australian Under 17 team was selected following the NAB AFL Under 16s Championships in 2016 and will be coached by NAB AFL Academy Head Coach Luke Power. The comprise players from Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland, NSW/ACT, Northern Territory and Tasmania.

Former Claremont player and St Kilda draftee Rob Malone will coach New Zealand which continues to provide more than 30,000 participants, both male and female, with the chance to play AFL at school or club level this year.

New Zealand will also be one of the 20 counties who will participate in the AFL International Cup to be held in Melbourne in August this year.

2017 NAB AFL Academy – Level 1 Squad

South Australia: Ruben Flinn (Glenelg/ Morphettville Park), Jackson Hately (Central District/Walkerville), Jack Lukosius (Woodville West-Torrens/Henley), Hugo Munn (Sturt/Unley), Izak Rankine (West Adelaide/Flinders Park), Connor Rozee (North Adelaide/Broadview), Luke Valente (Norwood/Payneham).

Victoria: Jack Bytel (Calder Cannons/Aberfeldie), Max King (Sandringham Dragons/East Sandringham), Ben King (Sandringham Dragons/East Sandringham), Rhylee West (Calder Cannons/Strathmore), Buku Khamis (St Albans/Western Jets). Zane Barzen (Murray Bushrangers/Shepparton United), Jye Caldwell (Bendigo Pioneers)/Golden Square), Sam Fletcher (Dandenong Stingrays/ Balnarring), Hudson Garoni (Murray Bushrangers/Wodonga Raiders), Sam Walsh (Geelong Falcon/St Joseph’s), Ajak Dang (Shepparton Bears/Murray Bushrangers).

Western Australia: Jason Carter (Claremont/Aquinas College), Ian Hill (Perth/Wesley College), Tom Joyce (East Fremantle/Aquinas College), Sydney Stack (Northam Barons/Perth).

Tasmania: Chayce Jones (Launceston), Tarryn Thomas (North Launceston).

NSW/ACT: Nick Blakey (Sydney Swans Academy/East Bulldogs), Matthew Walker (GWS Giants Academy/CDHBU).

Queensland: Bailey Scott (Gold Coast Suns Academy/Broadbeach).

Northern Territory: Michael Mummery (Southern Districts).
  ...

Round 5 of the 2017 AFL Season kicks off in Adelaide tonight with the Port Adelaide hosting Carlton at the Adelaide Oval. 

The full international broadcast schedule can be seen below.

In addition to the TV networks you can also subscribe to the Watch AFL service that will give you live access to all the matches and more (outside Australia only).  You can access that service by clicking on the link here or the  Watch AFL banner below and paying the subscription fee.

Port Adelaide’s historic first AFL game for premiership points in China has sold out.

Remaining tickets went on sale on Thursday afternoon at 2.00pm, and were sold within the first hour.

With 24 days to go before the historic first bounce on Sunday 14 May at Shanghai’s Jiangwan Stadium, the successful sale of all tickets gives the club great momentum heading into the ground-breaking game.

Over 5,000 Port Adelaide supporters are expected to make the trip to Shanghai, in a significant show of support for this inaugural campaign.

The final temporary grandstands commenced construction on Tuesday and will be complete in the week leading up to the game.

Port Adelaide plays Gold Coast at Jiangwan Stadium, Shanghai on Sunday 14 May at 1.20pm (China Central Time)

Keith Thomas, Port Adelaide chief executive officer

“This is a significant milestone – and provides us with terrific momentum and real excitement leading into the game.

“Our membership team has worked hard to ensure those who pre-registered were able to purchase tickets and have been successful in doing so.

“To have over 5,000 of our passionate fans make the journey over – many with our new international airline partner Cathay Pacific – is a massive stamp of approval from our supporter base.

“While our football operations focus on the week-to-week of the AFL fixture, our job administratively is to ensure everything is in place for a smooth logistical exercise when we fly over.

“We will have up to 100 Port Adelaide staff, players, coaches and other officials on the ground in Shanghai, so we’re committed to being fully resourced in terms of people power for this game.

“It’s starting to get exciting now with under 24 days until we play, and we’ll have several more positive announcements in the coming weeks about the game.” ...

The AFL Commission met today in Sydney and reviewed the first season of the NAB AFL Women’s competition.

The Commission also considered expansion of the competition, but has requested more information before making a decision in the coming weeks on the 2018 season.

AFL Commission Chairman Richard Goyder said the Commission was extremely pleased with the first year of the competition and congratulated all players and the eight teams involved, and wished to thank the AFL’s partners and fans across the country for their support of the new league.

Mr Goyder said the Commission had received a detailed report of the metrics for the NAB AFLW, along with a discussion paper on potential expansion options for the competition’s future.

The key metrics for the NAB AFLW in year one were:

· Total crowds of 198,366, averaging 6,840 per match. Seven matches drew more than 9000 fans, including a lockout for the opening game between Carlton v Collingwood and five matches outside Victoria.

· Total free to air and subscription television audience of 5.64 million for the 29 matches played, including 594,000 viewers for the Crows/Lions Grand Final.

· Total AFLW specific club memberships of 7,038.

· More than 12,000,000 minutes delivered across digital delivery devices of live match streaming.

· More than 170,000 total fans/followers across social media via Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

The Commission considered the arguments that introducing new teams would create new support bases and acknowledged the strong support from Clubs for expansion.

The Commission also considered:

· The financial implications of expansion

· The existing and future talent base, including the pathways in place to fast track players

· The two-year agreement with the AFLPA and broadcasters

· The time requirements for existing AFLW clubs to manage their lists for 2018, and for any new Clubs to set-up their operations

· The movement of players in order to maintain competitive balance

The Commission also noted that further investment was needed to continue to grow and engage the audience of AFLW in order to maintain the momentum created this year.

The Commission formally thanked the players, Clubs, AFL, supporters, broadcasters and sponsors for the success of the first season.

“The NAB AFLW enjoyed a wonderful first year and the efforts of our players and clubs were outstanding.

“The AFL is extremely grateful for both the support of our fans and the willingness of our broadcast and commercial partners to support a key venture for our game,” Mr Goyder said.
  ...

Irishman Conor McKenna of Essendon was charged with making forceful contact from front-on against Riley Knight, Adelaide Crows, during the fourth quarter of the Round Four match between Essendon and the Adelaide Crows, played at Adelaide Oval last weekend. He subsequently accept a one-match sanction with an early plea.

The available evidence and a medical report from the Adelaide Crows Football Club meant that the incident was assessed as careless conduct with medium impact to the head. The incident was classified as a two-match sanction. The player has no applicable record which impacts the penalty. His early plea enabled him to accept a one-match sanction.

As a consequence he will miss Tuesday's ANZAC Day clash at the MCG. The match was McKenna's first in the senior side for 2017, which was impressive given the long list of talent that has returned to the senior ranks after serving out their ban that saw them miss the 2016 season.

Picture Source: http://s.afl.com.au/staticfile/AFL%20Tenant/Essendon/Images/20170417_McKennaHit_H.jpg ...

AFL Asia has previewed Anzac Day Commemoration activities and Matches taking place over the coming days and Anzac Day. For a full wrap and match times see www.afl-asia.com 

There is no doubt Anzac commemorative games are now a massive part of the Aussie rules footy landscape, but no more so than in Asia where the connection to the people and places effected by the wars of the past are so strong.

This weekend once again will see a number of AFL Asia’s Clubs host commemorative matches right across the Asian region, with the AFL Asia Anzac Round of matches getting bigger and better every year.

In this year’s game of the round, the 1-0 Malaysian Warriors will host their first home game for 2017 against the Jakarta Bintangs. The Bintangs have a great record in Anzac Matches defeating the Vietnam Swans in Vung Tau last year and always put forward a solid squad of expats and their ever-improving Garudas locals for the occasion.

However, the Warriors rarely lose at home and will be keen to continue their good start to 2017 in this their 25th anniversary year. Having recently surpassed the 100 members milestone, the Warriors are well backed and should provide the biggest test yet for the Bintangs, who go into the game unbeaten sitting pretty on top of the AFL Asia ladder with a 3-0 record.

The Thailand Tigers’ long-running Anzac Day Match at Kanchanaburi is always a big fixture for clubs around Asia, with the Singapore Wombats this year making the trip north of Bangkok to the bridge over the river Kwai. The “Thaigers” are rebuilding after a big exodus of players last year and should have a few new faces against a formidable Wombats team, who will play their first game since their Asian Champs Grand Final loss in Saigon last October.

Pride will be on the line for the Vietnam Swans at their spiritual home the Lord Mayor’s Oval in the southern Vietnamese town of Vung Tau this weekend.

Since winning the 2015 Manila Cup, the Swannies have been disappointing on the field, no more so than last year’s Anzac loss to Jakarta, only the second time visiting opposition has won in the history of their prestigious Anzac Friendship Match. Further disappointments at successive Asian Champs and IndoChina Cups will have new Coach Al Shiells looking to this weekend’s massive game against old rivals the Cambodian Eagles as an opportunity to get their season back on track, after a slow 0-2 start to the 2017 AFL Asia season.

A rapidly maturing Cambodian Eagles side packed with exciting young Khmer talent have an excellent recent record against the Swans and will go into the game with plenty of confidence. Just three weeks ago the Eagles were very impressive in their 87-27 touch up of the Swans in Phnom Penh, backing up their solid defeat of the Swans and first ever tournament victory in Myanmar in November at the Indo-China Cup.

Round 4 of the South China AFL will be played this weeknd in the middle of HK’s famous Happy Valley Racecourse. The mostly-local Guangzhou Scorpions have made a great start to a massive year for their program, currently sitting on top of the SCAFL ladder after three rounds with a 6-1 record and will be looking to improve on that against the other HK mostly-expat clubs.

The Osaka Dingoes will play host of the Japanese 2017 Anzac Day Cup, to be held on Saturday April 22nd and will be played at the Canadian Academy on Rokko Island.

The Anzac Day Cup will see 4 sides play each other in a round-robin series, including the National Side competing at this year’s AFL International Cup – The Japan Samurais, the Tokyo Goannas (AFL Japan Top League Back-to-Back Premiers 2015-16), as well as a merged side consisting of players from Sendai Port, Hiroshima Cranes and the Nagoya Redbacks.

The host team, the Osaka Dingoes round out the 4 teams and will be playing their 1st game as a Club since 2015 and are hopefully on a pathway which will see them reinstated back in the AFL Japan Top League in 2018. The Osaka Dingoes haven’t played in the AFL Japan Top League since their Grand Final loss in 2013.

It will be an action packed weekend of footy in Asia that should tell us a lot about the form of teams ahead of the Shanghai Cup ...

The South Pacific Under 16 team today kickoff their 2017 Queensland Under 16 Championships  at the Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex, Burpengary.

Representative teams from Brisbane South, Brisbane North, Sunshine Coast, Gold Coast, North Queensland and South Pacific will compete in the four day carnival.

The squad selected from across the South Pacific is dominated by PNG, with 14 representatives. 

The Queensland Under 16 State Academy Squad will be chosen at the completion of the carnival and will go on to play in the NAB AFL Under 16 Championships in June.

 The tournament schedule can be seen below.

The full South Pacific squad is:

Irishman Paddy Brophy has decided to end his Australian football career and return to GAA football in Ireland.  He has cited personal reasons, including homesickness.  Brophy was originally identified in the AFL's European Combine before being signed by the West Coast Eagles. 

He played WAFL football in 2015 and 2016 but was unable to make a debut at AFL level.

The following was released on the West Coast Eagles website yesterday.

West Coast Eagles Irish import Paddy Brophy has called time on his bid to become the club’s first international rookie to play senior football.

Brophy, in his third year at the club, has decided to return to his home country where he will resume his Gaelic football career, with the aim of playing for County Kildare.

The popular Irishman has been a valued part of the club’s squad and has performed strongly at WAFL level, without getting an opportunity at the elite level. He has played primarily off half-back with East Perth and has captivated staunch Royals fans with his dash and dare.

“It’s disappointing that Paddy has decided to go back to Ireland, but he has been a valuable member of the playing squad,” general manager of football Craig Vozzo said today.

“Paddy came to the club as our first international category B rookie and did very well to adjust to our game and the oval ball. He has always enthusiastically embraced the challenge of tackling a foreign game, but could not quite reach the level to play elite football.

“He did play regular senior football at East Perth and always gave himself the best chance of success. We thank Paddy for his contribution over the last three years and wish him every success with the next phase of his life.

“It is difficult relocating to another country, adjusting to the lifestyle here as well as the game itself, but Paddy totally committed to everything required.”

Brophy has played his last game for East Perth, opting to sit out last weekend as he contemplated his future before informing the playing group of his decision to return to Ireland yesterday.

“It’s disappointing it’s over, but it’s time,” Brophy said.

“I am going home for personal reasons, including homesickness, but I have really enjoyed my time at the club.

“I will always be grateful to the club for giving me the opportunity. It has been a great experience, but I’ll go back home, continue my university studies and play Gaelic football.

“I’d like to thank everyone at both West Coast and East Perth for their support. I have made some life-long friends and have really enjoyed the experience.” 
  ...

With the 2017 AFL Queensland U/16 tournament getting under way last Sunday - this weeks only mid week match saw the South Pacific squad make it's first appearance against the strong North Queensland side. The South Pacific lads arrived Tuesday morning and were straight into a training session to try to 'gell' before the game the next day.

The venue was Burpengary, a northern suburb of Brisbane overlooking Moreton Bay and also home to a recently developed AFL facility including 3 playing fields. As it was yesterday - from 1 pm the venue played host to the South Pacific side. However - the task was too great and the inability to finish off their hard work saw North QLD able to set up play after play rebounding from defence.

The South Pacific hierarchy were pleased with the number of scoring opportunities generated, and with more polish then greater scoreboard impact can be achieved. The tackling and pressure acts were superb and showed no lack of intent.

The following notes are provided by AFL South Pacific Development Manager Ben Drew: Carl Kaiyage stood very tall after ¼ time at Full back on a much bigger opponent, Woewodin patrolled half forward setting up many forward attacks and after half time, Inesi Ahomanna & Jone Radua dominated the hit outs. Hawago was a standout across halfback and in the middle with Xavier & Yatom also having great games.

Final Score:North QLD 15 14 (104)South Pac 4 1 (25)

Goal Kickers: Gerard Fungke, Balthasar Talania, Kevan Chan, Woewodin ThomaBest Players: Hewago Oea, Jone Radua, Xavier Kombong, Carl Kaiyage, Yatom Werner, Inesi Ahomana, Joe Yamog, Karl Hartman

The next match is this Saturday at Burpengary against Brisbane South - first bounce 2:20 pm. Both teams will be looking for their first win and the South Pacific lads will be hoping to get some more reward for their hard work.

...

Round 6 of the 2017 AFL Season kicks off in Canberra with GWS hosting a Friday night match for the first time against reigning premiers, the Western Bulldogs.

The full international broadcast schedule can be seen below.

In addition to the TV networks you can also subscribe to the Watch AFL service that will give you live access to all the matches and more (outside Australia only).  You can access that service by clicking on the link here or the  Watch AFL banner below and paying the subscription fee.

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In a little under three months’ time, the Far North Queensland city of Cairns will play host to another AFL Premiership match. For the first time in Cairns’ history it will play host to a reigning premier with the Western Bulldogs coming to town to once again play the Gold Coast Suns. The match is massive for the development of Australian Rules football in north Queensland and already promotions and preparations are underway to attract huge crowds and secure more matches to the home of footy in the Far North, Cazalys Stadium.

Media Release: Tickets on sale today for Western Bulldogs Round 18 match in Cairns 

In Cairns to support the launch of tickets going on sale, Western Bulldogs player Roarke Smith and Gold Coast SUNS’ Sam Day spoke of how both clubs are looking forward to the Round 18 clash.

Roarke Smith highlighted how the Western Bulldogs were looking forward to returning to Cairns’ Cazalys Stadium for a fourth consecutive year.

 “The Club is proud to return to Cairns for the fourth consecutive year to showcase AFL football in North Queensland,” Mr Smith said. 

“The players, coaches and staff enjoy coming to Cairns to escape the southern winter as conditions are ideal in late July for football in this part of the world. 

“And this year as the reigning Premiers we are delighted to be bringing the 2016 Premiership Cup to the region. 

“We have also forged a great connection with the region thus far through our regular community and school visits and the players are grateful for the reception they’ve received to date by committed fans from across the country. 

“The game at Cazalys Stadium has become a fixture we look forward to and we hope to put on an exciting display in front of a vibrant, and energetic crowd when we return in July,” he said. 

GC SUNS player Sam Day echoed what Smith said and highlighted the importance of the North Queensland region to the club. 

“Every season we look forward to coming to Cairns to play,” Mr Day said.

"Over the years I've been playing in the Cairns match you can't help but notice the growth of the game throughout North Queensland. 

"As players we see this up close when players from the region, who are part of the SUNS Talent Academy, come to train with us or play with our NEAFL side throughout the year and I know that is something we want to keep improving," he said. 

This year’s match at Cazalys Stadium will be held in the twilight timeslot of 4.35pm. The timeslot will allow visitors escaping the chill of the southern winter to experience the warmth that the Tropical North Queensland region has to offer. 

AFL Cairns President Gary Young said the region was excited to welcome back the reigning AFL Premiers.

“The match has built momentum over the years and every game has been action packed, with excellent attendance numbers,” Mr Young said.

“As the Bulldogs are returning as the reigning Premiers I would suggest local and interstate supporters get their tickets early to avoid disappointment. 

“This match is likely to be a sell-out. To have the reigning Premiers in Cairns is an outstanding bonus for AFL fans in Tropical North Queensland,” he said. 

Cairns Regional Council Mayor Bob Manning welcomed the return of the Bulldogs and the Suns to the Far North for the July fixture.

“Once again, we’ll be offering a warm tropical welcome to the Bulldogs and the Suns – two teams that are now very familiar with our city,” Cr Manning said. 

“We’re thrilled that the Bulldogs are bringing a home game to Cairns for the fourth successive season. The fact that they’ll be coming here as reigning premiers makes this year’s fixture all the more special. 

“Now it’s up to the community to show their appreciation by supporting what will be a fantastic game.

“Get in quick to snap up your tickets and be a part of this great sporting event – let’s show them that AFL is alive in Cairns,” he said. 

Tickets to the Round 18 Toyota AFL Premiership Season match between the Western Bulldogs and the Gold Coast SUNS, scheduled for Saturday July 22 at Cazalys Stadium Cairns, will go on sale today from 9.00am AEST via ticketdirect.com.au or the Cazalys reception. 

This year, Corporate Packages are on offer starting at $85.00 in the Sportsman’s Bar located on the 50m arc of Cazalys Stadium. 

Fans can also purchase tickets into the Official Match Day Function where five of the attendees will be selected for a ‘money-can’t-buy-experience’ gaining access to the Gold Coast SUNS change room in the lead up to the bounce. For further details on all corporate functions and hospitality, visit www.aflcairns.com.au or call 07 4042 3000. ...

 The new season has started across central and northern England with some big scores, heavy losses and a tight tussle thrown into the mix. After an off season of planning, plotting, training and hoping, teams took to the fields. Following is an article from the AFLCNE website looking at the round.

With round 1 over, we can take a look at the past weekend. It was a high scorer, with the Mozzies and Wolves powering ahead to form an early leading pack. Nottingham’s victory over Huddersfield sees them take 3rd position, while the Saints sit at the bottom by default.

Saturday saw Manchester Mosquitoes welcome Tyne Tees Tigers for this season’s opener. While the Tigers put in a hard-fought performance, the experienced and well-drilled Mozzies proved too much, putting in a commanding 216-12 victory and giving a hint that they’re going all out for that fourth premiership.

 As Sunday rolled around, Nottingham Scorpions faced off against Huddersfield Rams at Moderns RUFC. With both teams bringing good numbers, the Scorpions were hoping for a reverse of the pre-season scoreline that saw the Rams take a convincing victory, so won’t be too disappointed with their 115-86 victory in a very competitive game. 

The final match of the weekend saw a Wolverhampton Wolverines team carrying momentum from a successful pre-season come up against a rookie 9-man Sheffield Thunder side. Given the two team’s contrasting pre-season prep, a Wolves victory always seemed likely, however the huge 241-11 scoreline suggests that Wolves will be firmly lodged among the finals spots come the end of the season. 

A hard day at the office for Sheffield and Tyne Tees will have exposed areas for both teams to build on, while Manchester, Wolves and Nottingham will be desperate to carry their form into next week. Meanwhile, the Rams can look back on a hard-fought game knowing that, with a bit of tweaking, they can be up there come July. 

Final scores from the weekend:

Manchester Mosquitoes 32.24.216 d. Tyne Tees Tigers 1.6.12

Nottingham Scorpions 16.19.115 d. Huddersfield Rams 11.20.86

Wolverhampton Wolverines 36.25.241 d. Sheffield Thunder 1.5.11

  ...

Thanks to Mathew Batsiua and AFL Nauru for supplying reports of the AFL Nauru season.

Despite the rain, the Grand final was packed with hundreds coming out to the ground to watch this season's grand final between two form sides of the competition the Magpies and the Bombers. 
 

When the big game finally started, it was the Magpies who hit the ground running, dominating clearances and controlling the first quarter.

Young Magpie Richmond Spanner was a strong target for the Magpies, taking brilliant contested marks in their ...forward line and kicking 2 first quarter goals to help his team take control of the game early on. In the middle Magpies skipper Yoshi Harris controlled the ruck in the first quarter giving his on-ballers first use and control of the clearances. The Bomber's cause was not helped when Captain Johnny Dagiaro hobbled off the field with an ankle injury and did not return again for the remainder of the match.

Magpies 5.4  8.6  11.8  12.12 (84)
Bombers 1.2  3.8  5.12   7.17.(59)
 

...

The following story originally appeared on Frederick's Blog and the original article can be found here.

Although primarily known for producing scores of talented players in rugby union, the nation of Samoa (population 179,000) has a recently established presence in Aussie rules.

The game was first introduced in the Samoan capital of Apia back in 1997, with the country’s governing body being founded the following year as the Samoa Australian Rules Football Association (SARFA). An exhibition match drew an impressive crowd, and the new footy players showed athleticism, toughness, and a natural aptitude for the game.

Due to Samoans’ rugby fanaticism, the first games of footy were played under hybrid rules, including 15-on-15, restricting certain players’ movement and playing on rectangular rugby fields, as opposed to cricket ovals. This was called Samoan rules and was used as a catalyst to get people involved in the basics of footy. The SARFA also developed a mutual relationship with the AFL’s Western Bulldogs, as Samoa shares the same colors (blue, red, and white) as the Bulldogs’ jumper. Several AFL players visited Samoa for coaching clinics and development camps, most notably Bulldogs legend Brad Johnson.

The country’s international team was originally known as the Bulldogs. They debuted at Australia’s Arafura Games in 1999, where they took home the bronze medal; two years later, the Samoans competed against Nauru during an international test match in Melbourne.

The year 2002 was big for Samoan footy, with Bulldogs being selected to the inaugural Australian Football International Cup. While they only finished seventh overall, this was a major step forward for Samoa, showing that they could compete at a high level against other countries. Also in 2002, AFL games were first broadcast on Samoan television.

In 2005, they finished in fifth place at the International Cup, beating Great Britain decisively and scoring a narrow win over Canada, while suffering losses to powerhouses Papua New Guinea and New Zealand.

The SARFA was reincorporated as AFL Samoa in 2007, and the national team was renamed the Kangaroos in time for the 2008 edition of the IC, mostly due to the influence of Aaron Edwards, a Samoan-born footy player for the North Melbourne Kangaroos. That year, Samoa beat India, but lost again to New Zealand and suffered a disappointing loss to the Japanese team as well.

In addition to Samoa’s historic relationship with the Western Bulldogs, they also share close ties with the Moorabbin Kangaroos, a team in suburban Melbourne that competes in the Southern Football League. There remains an ongoing effort to keep a strong senior league going in Samoa, as footy already has a strong foothold among schoolkids. With the AFL looking to expand their geographic footprint in the South Pacific, they will no doubt have their eyes on Samoa in the near future.

The last records on footy in Samoa indicated 240 senior players and 132 junior players, in addition to a schoolboys’ tournament and a full-time development officer appointed by the AFL was located in Samoa.

• Karmichael Hunt (played 2011-2014) – Hunt is of Samoan descent on his dad’s side and his mother is a Cook Islander. While he hasn’t directly engaged with Samoan footy on the international level (having been born and raised in New Zealand), Hunt played in the AFL as a versatile midfielder/defender with the Gold Coast Suns for four seasons. Before his AFL career, Hunt played rugby league with the Brisbane Broncos from 2004-2009, and he currently plays rugby union with the Queensland Reds.
• Aaron Edwards (played 2003-2014) – Born in Samoa to a Kiwi father and Samoan mother, Edwards emigrated to Melbourne, where he played under-18 footy with the historic Dandenong Stingrays team in the TAC Cup. While Edwards played a few seasons with both West Coast and Richmond, his most notable career arc was when he played as a key forward for the North Melbourne Kangaroos from 2007-2012, kicking 122 career goals. Like many Polynesian converts to Aussie rules, Edwards played rugby union as a youngster before picking up a footy at the age of 13.
• Fia Tootoo (played 2008-present) – A Samoan national who lives in Melbourne, Tootoo plays at the semi-pro level for the Nyora Saints, a team in the Ellinbank & District Football League. Tootoo is also a key member of the Samoan national team.
...

The Nauru Chiefs have named their final 30-man squad for the 2017 AFL International Cup to be held in Melbourne from August 5th.  Fourteen returning members of the IC14 squad such as Yoshi Harris, Trent Depaune, Johnny Dagiaro (this will be Johnny's fourth International Cup) and Kenneth Oppenheimer will give the side some solid experience. 

While there will also be plenty of excitement from newcomers such as Richmond Spanner, Niga Haulangi and Shawnkemp Maaki.

The Chiefs finished seventh at IC14 defeating the USA, Great Britain (twice), Indonesia and losing only to eventual runners up Ireland by 27 points in Bendigo after being just three points down at 3/4 time.  They will be looking to push higher at IC17.

The Chiefs should be feared by all teams that give themselves a realistic chance at the IC17 title as their hard fast football will be complemented by a more thinking game around the stoppages.  Domestically in Nauru the game has probably never been better organised both at senior and junior level I expect this squad will show the benefits of that.

The full squad is: 

  ...

It’s been a time of transition and turnover for the Atlanta Kookaburras.

Season 2016 ended with the squad combining with Baton Rouge (Louisiana) at USAFL Nationals and finishing just out of the finals series. Their one loss was by 10 points in their opener to a skilled Des Moines (Iowa) side while learning to play together. They followed that with a win by 11 over perennial power Denver. Their third and final game was a resounding victory over Tulsa (Oklahoma), made more remarkable because they played the match after learning a clerical error would keep them from advancing.

A high point of 2016 was the club’s 100th win, coming on the road vs. the Nashville Kangaroos.

Mark Cannatelli played very well at Nationals and thus earned the Kookas’ 2016’s Best and Fairest, with Brett Hester placing second as well as earning his second consecutive Most Improved award. Sam Ridenhour took home Best Clubman, and Braden Medders, Ryan Downey, and Brian Gilliam also had fine seasons for Atlanta. There were also many compliments for new coach Brent Bacon.

Unfortunately life moves on and there is turnover every season. Mark Cannatelli earned his Ph.D. and is now Dr. Cannatelli, some of the regulars have made or are making trips to Australia, and Hester is returning from a hamstring injury suffered at Nationals.

The Kookas are off to a slow start in 2017 following losses to Nashville and to the North Carolina Tigers, but there is new enthusiasm and some new faces, so the future is still bright as the new players blend in.

Atlanta invites their Legends back home for a match on May 13, followed by a home game against Baton Rouge May 20.

2017 Results

Upcoming Matches

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