The AFL World Team is finally taking shape
Roar Guru
By Michael C, 2 Feb 2010 Michael C is a Roar Guru
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Kevin Sheedy has come good on his promise to look far and wide for talent, with the signing of a South African recruit.
Sobetwa adds to the list compiled below and adapted from Worldfootynews of the ‘international’ class of 2010.
Senior Listed
Ireland – Sydney: Tadhg Kennelly (158 games since 2001)
Ireland – Carlton: Setanta O’hAilpin (58 games since 2005)
Ireland – Brisbane: Pearce Hanley (3 games since 2008)
International Scholarship Listed
Fiji – Western Bulldogs: Solomoni Loki
Fiji – Western Bulldogs: Inoke Ratua
PNG – Essendon: David Meli
PNG – Carlton: Peter Labi
PNG – Brisbane: Donald Barry
PNG – Brisbane: Brendan Beno
PNG – Brisbane: Ezra Kautu
NZ – Hawthorn: Kurt Heatherley
International Rookie Listed from Ireland
Adelaide – Brian Donnelly
Essendon – Michael Quinn (6 games 2009)
North Melbourne – Conor Meredith
Brisbane – Niall McKeever
Carlton – Zach Tuohy
Richmond – Jamie O’Reilly
St Kilda – Tommy Walsh
Sydney – Chris McKaigue
International Rookie Listed from other countries
Canada – Sydney: Mike Pyke (8 games 2009)
USA – Collingwood: Shae McNamara
Unofficial but associated with AFL clubs
PNG – Gold Coast: Stanis Susuve
PNG – Brisbane: Amua Pirika
Okay, so not all of them will succeed. However, with the two International junior sides to compete in the AFL national championships from this year on, we may well see an expanding of this list by quite some way.
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Redb said | February 2nd 2010 @ 7:33am | Report comment
Not so much a ‘world’ team, but a fair list of international recruits and listed players for sure.
South African development continues at a pace with Bayanda Sobweta’s scholarship with Western Sydney a good first step. and needs to be added that list above.
Just last week the Flying Boomerangs (talented hand picked Aussie indigenous side) just beat the inland provinces of South Africa by 10 pts. By the time the next International Cup comes around in 2011 they will be front runners with PNG.
The creation of the World and Pacific Under 16 and 18 teams is already providing a pathway. The next few years will be fantastic for the growth of our game overseas. Exciting times.
Redb
Dogz R Barkn said | February 2nd 2010 @ 7:54am | Report comment
I’ve actually seen this story on a few news programs the last couple of years: the indigenous team beating a South African team (not their full NT squad), by only 10 points.
In fact, the Australian team was down by a goal at three quarter time.
The other notable things were the muddy puddles and green grass – anyone here remember what that used to look like?
I don’t think I’ve seen a puddle on a field in about 15 years.
Dogz R Barkn said | February 2nd 2010 @ 7:54am | Report comment
Sorry – that should have read: ” last couple of days. “
Michael C said | February 2nd 2010 @ 8:54am | Report comment
It apparently rained a heap the couple of days leading in – and so despite being fine and sunny on the day – ah….it looked like fun.
The main thing – the RSA ‘inland’ squad is a variety of ages vs the more junior Boomerangs. However, the Boomerangs in the past have included future AFL recruits – although pure footballing talent is not the main selection criteria, as, it’s more a personal development program for indigenous youth. (it’s a pretty good program that’s been going a number of years now).
The more recent game on Sunday saw a more comfortable win over the ‘coastal’ team that did include Sobweta – and he played very well. Interestingly – it was the first hit out on the new 180m long (but narrow – - Subiaco anyone!!) field, but in blustery conditions.
kronic said | February 2nd 2010 @ 7:36am | Report comment
An interesting question? Will these players be eligible for their respected home teams in next year’s International Cup, provided their teams release them for International Duty?
Redb said | February 2nd 2010 @ 7:44am | Report comment
Very good question. The AFL and more importantly the clubs will need to work this out, the last International cup was held in August thus in season.
It’s a unique problem the AFL has never had to take into acount which other sports partiucularly soccer have huge issues with player availability for the Socceroos ,etc. You would expect like in soccer, the player must be released for international duties for important tournaments.
The AFL will need to govern this carefully to prevent the selfish club attitude ruining another form of rep footy.
Redb
Michael C said | February 2nd 2010 @ 9:00am | Report comment
We have seen in the past that the PNG kids in Australia on ‘scholarships’ in the AFLQ have been released to play in the IC. You’d probably think that International scholarship lads come seasons end – if they are key players in the VFL, or WAFL feeder sides for example then there’d be a real conundrum. If they’ve cracked it to AFL level – then no chance you’d think.
For now – most the competing nations aren’t equipped to go up against AFL elite developed talent. However, there’d be obvious promotional opportunities – and in coming years – if the two ‘World’ junior sides do as will be hoped – help produce a better quality of player coming through, then, the IC top 10 nations especially should be showing real improvement.
The IC though – if all goes well – probably has a limited life span in it’s present form. That as well will be a serious topic for the AFL as world controlling body will have to manage. Good to see 10 days back the formation of the European Australian Football Association – after a meeting of 15 nations (and a couple of apologies).
Redb said | February 2nd 2010 @ 9:43am | Report comment
I hope the AFL persists with the International Cup for sometime.
I agree with the scholarship layers being more likly to be released, but as numbers of international seniors increases the AFL will need to work out an arrangement with the clubs. Probably not necessarily for 2011, but 2014 who knows?
In 5 years, we could see internationals beyond the IC between South Africa, PNG and NZ.
By 2014, the AFL should push for the finals of the IC to be televised (pay TV) I think standard would be good enough, certainly compared to the TAC Cup stuff and other youth comps in other sports, women sports,etc that make it to Foxtel.
Perhaps in 10 years, the winner of the International Cup takes on Australia?
Redb
Michael C said | February 2nd 2010 @ 10:00am | Report comment
What would be cool to see – is, a variation on the Indigenous all-stars pre-season matches that have thus far been common place – and rather than taking on a single AFL team, instead, have an Indigenous All-Stars vs ‘World’ team as an annual pre-season match – whether in Cairns, Darwin, or the Alice.
It’d be a logical continuation in some cases of the bonds and rivalries established via the Boomerangs tours.
We could kick it off sooner rather than later, via allowing the World Team to access a number of overseas born players – - like Naitanui, Aaron Edwards, Harry O’Brien, Majak Daw, Sean Yoshiura etc could line up.
simonjzw said | February 2nd 2010 @ 1:22pm | Report comment
Maybe the winner vs Australia in 10 years is a bit fanciful. What about a “World Team” vs Australian Team.
That’s a distinct possibility. How about every two years a State of Origin Challenge Series with Vic, WA, SA, Allies runs in the same year as the IC and then Australian and World Teams are picked to play each other post season?
Dogz R Barkn said | February 2nd 2010 @ 1:34pm | Report comment
It’s really hard to predict.
AFL is the sort of game where a team will cop an absolute hiding if they are not quite up to scratch (and both rugby codes can be the same, soccer is a bit different in that respect).
So having an AFL side dish out a hiding to someone is not really an attractive prospect.
But is possible is more of thes sorts of tours: Indigenous teams, underage state amateurs, etc, where the progress of certain overseas teams can be assessed on an annual basis.
Once you have a situation where a state underage amateur team is beaten, you start looking at a national amateur team, and then a professional underage team (playing a senior team), etc etc etc
Might take more than 10 years to reach that stage – might even take 50 years – who knows.
ItsCalledFootball said | February 2nd 2010 @ 9:03am | Report comment
Excellent news Michael and looking forward to the AFL International Cup.
Devon Head said | February 2nd 2010 @ 9:42am | Report comment
World Team?? Surely this is a Joke??
Redb said | February 2nd 2010 @ 1:08pm | Report comment
here we go.
Marcel said | February 2nd 2010 @ 1:34pm | Report comment
Karma Redb
Redb said | February 2nd 2010 @ 1:37pm | Report comment
Oh it’s not like these threads last too long. But thanks for coming, remember to tip your waitress and try and keep that deep seated hatred of AFL footy in check.
Devon Head said | February 2nd 2010 @ 2:55pm | Report comment
Nice call Redb…..
AFL is a great Australian game, anything more than that is just isillusioned dribble. Sure it’s great for the game that your getting some players from overseas but a world team??? That is pulling the pud beyond belief!!!!
Michael C said | February 2nd 2010 @ 3:26pm | Report comment
Devon Head -
‘world team’ can happen now….but, not a world team of senior AFL experienced players…..unless we allow FIFA/IRB style parentage/residential qualifications and then we could do it – but, it’d be a bit hollow.
However – the foundations are in place now – that we could envisage within 5, or 10 years – a reasonable squad of ‘international’ sourced players. Mostly PNG and RSA.
Being any good is another thing altogether. Being able perhaps to play in a Div 2 style SoO carnival vs Tassie, NSW and NT might not be so great a stretch.
Michael C said | February 2nd 2010 @ 12:19pm | Report comment
I’m almost shocked by the good wishes – but, thanx.
I’m assuming you aren’t using un-emoticonned sarcasm.
There have been 3 AFL INternational Cup tournaments since 2002. Each better than the last. No expats or parentage qualification criteria (more’s the shame or I’d've stuck my hand up for Denmark). The next one promises to be the most seriously regarded one yet – - the challenge still, is to win over the ‘AFL’ media in Australia which in Victoria especially tends to sadly, focus too much on the AFL itself, and not ‘footy’ in general.
Lazza said | February 2nd 2010 @ 3:24pm | Report comment
That’s because the international series is a bunch of amatuers and a joke and they know it. They all hated the International Rules concept as well and quite rightly. It wasn’t Aussie Rules, just some bastardised form of Gaelic Football to try and get an ‘international’ dimension to the game.
Why can’t you accept that it’s a local sport only and that has it’s advantages as well. Besides one or two players that MIGHT come through from overseas, nothing else is going to happen.
bever fever said | February 2nd 2010 @ 3:35pm | Report comment
The international cup is a different tournament and game to international rules, the international cup is Australian Football, learning to read would help you immensely.
Michael C said | February 2nd 2010 @ 3:51pm | Report comment
Ditto to what bever said,
be careful about jumping the gun when all you do is make a fool of yourself in your eagerness to make a negative comment.
International Rules is the compromise rules matches b/w Ireland GAA and Aust AFL.
International Cup is true 18 aside full field tournament held every 3 years – 2002, 2005, 2008 and next in 2011. Always in Melbourne plus one regional venue. It does NOT involve any Australian team or players. In 2002 there were 12 nations competing, in 2005 11, but a higher standard, in 2008 16 and the best were a level again higher in standard.
All players are amateur, and in the main self funded or sponsored locally (i.e. not funded by AFL or major tournament sponsor…..room to move there definitely).
Nations include USA, Canada, Japan, RSA, NZ, GrtBritian, Ireland, Sweden, Finland, China, India, PNG, Samoa, Spain, Nauru, a Peres Peace team and Denmark. The next one might well include France, Iceland, Malaysia, Indonesia, Tonga, Fiji, Italy…….or more or less.
How much is really serious footy development —– thusfar, not a huge lot. Howeer – it is NOT a joke, it is NOT hated and it is NOT a bastardised form of Gaelic.
And, 1 or 2 players coming through each year might be all that happens – - which’ll be pretty cool.
Midfielder said | February 2nd 2010 @ 10:40am | Report comment
MC
Any idea what each player cost… say cost of finding, travel, etc…
Republican said | February 2nd 2010 @ 10:47am | Report comment
Perhaps our game is too ‘easy’ afterall given just a 10 point victory by the Boomerangs over a South African side?
Lets face it, Saffa have’nt been exposed to the game for very long and any other scenario of this equivalent would expose the lack of history in playing any respective code quite brurtally I would have thought.
That said, the Boomerangs did it in a canter v the Coastal team in the second contest, so perhaps the appaulingly wet conditions in the fiirst, flattered the locals somehow since ouir game’s skill set is definately not suited to the wet.
I believe these Aust pilgrimages i.e the recent one to NZ by the Ammos U 17′s, )more like 16′s) v the nZ National side the Falcons, are intentionally dumbed down and staged so as not to humiliate the opposition which would be detrimental to any future development thereof. This starts with the picking of teams all the way through to how a game is blown and played, which was indeed the case in NZ last year.
Having said that I reckon SAFFA is a way more exciting proposition in the grooming of talent in respect of our game than NZ, which to my mind is a total waste of time resources.
Cheers
Redb said | February 2nd 2010 @ 11:56am | Report comment
That’s mostly a glass is half full no matter how you look at it then. If the Aussie side beats them easily – that’s becuase there is no Int competition, but if they get beaten it’s because we werent trying or Aust talent is diluted.
This was the Flying Boomerang’s 3rd tour to Sth Africa and each time the opposition is getting better.
Redb
Michael C said | February 2nd 2010 @ 12:13pm | Report comment
the other aspect that is very important here – is the ability to ‘gel’ as a team.
The Boomerangs started slowly against the ‘Inlanders’, but got better as the game went on, and perhaps underestimated the quality as well.
in the 2nd game, the Boomerangs had had a game together, had the travel cobwebs out of their limbs and got on top right from the start – although, probably eased off a tad as the Coastal lads kicked 5 goals to 7 in the 2nd half.
So, a 10 pt margin in sodden conditions – - don’t try to read to much into it.
These Sth African squads are senior and junior – mostly senior.
The squads were named back in early December - so, to be fair, they haven’t been benefitting from the program for all that long yet either,
Inland Development Squad
North West Province
Senior:
1. Tiro Tonyane
2. Obakeng Poni
3. Keagile Garenamotse
4. Kagiso Gaonose
5. Tshepiso Mogapi
6. Thabiso Phakedi
7. Steven Matshane
8. Godfrey Molohlanyi
9. Abueng Senyadio
10. Samuel Sethibe
Youth:
1. Albanos Moji
2. Thembisile Oupaster
3. Busang Modiko
4. Thato Itumeleng
5. Boitumelo Thiboeng
Gauteng
Senior:
1. Odin Williams
2. Steven Malinga
3. Benjamin Motuba
4. Brian Mitchell
5. Tshoboko Moagi
6. Mazizi sifanelo
Youth:
1. Dalfon Stoffberg
2. Thando Dlamini
3. Prince Nematswerani
4. Keitumetse Molelle
5. Laurence Portwig
6. Tshukudu Moagi
Coastal Development Squad
Western Cape
Senior:
1. Sipho Hadi
2. Zimasa Mangali
3. Akhona Thembani
4. Simphiwe Mbalo
5. Athenkosi Madikane
6. Bayanda Sobetwa
7. Sinethemba Boki
8. Khaya Sikiti
9. Lucky Tywaku
10. Anele Magqwaka
11. Sakhile Dutyulwa
12. Malibongwe Mlamli
13. Lwazi Jawe
Youth:
1. Zolani Nyiki
2. Sinethemba Dubulekwele
KwaZulu Natal
Senior:
1. Freedom Gumede
2. Mlungisi Manyoni
3. Nkululeko Ngcobo
4. Mfanelo Mthinkhulu
5. Lungisani Mtolo
6. Mandlakayise Mgoduka
7. Thembikosi Zwane
8. Sizwe Zulu
9. Siyabonga Masondo
Youth:
1. Nkululeko Dlamini
2. Jerico Dube
Republican said | February 2nd 2010 @ 12:09pm | Report comment
Redb
I do not doubt that the opposition is getting better however the fact remains that they,Saffa in this case, have NOT been playing the game very long, wheras I expect these young indig lads have grown up with a Sherrin in their cot – yes?
So the game is either very simple to pick up and compete at or there is a manufactured disparity to create an illusion of contest and potential development in these O/S demographics.
Which one is it Redb?
Cheers
Redb said | February 2nd 2010 @ 1:01pm | Report comment
It’s a progression of development and future pool of talent.
Gatto Nero said | February 6th 2010 @ 4:00am | Report comment
The Inland side were probably helped by the wet (when isn’t a wet game low scoring), but they also have a few years head-start on the Coastal team. Footy actually has a pretty decent penetration in the townships of the North-West Province (NWP), particularly around Rustenburg, Mafikeng and Potchefstroom. I helped run clinics there with AFL South Africa while travelling in 2005, and even then practically every school was involved in professional footy programs (it’s recognised as an ‘academy’ sport by the NWP Government). I was quite amazed at the kids’ interest when I visited, and I’d be surprised if those kids aren’t a lot better now with another 5 years of footy behind them. One thing that Aussies often forget is that the township kids are quite economically disadvantaged, and instead of sitting inside playing Xbox each afternoon and weekend, a lot of them are out playing sport at every opportunity. AFL South Africa have done a solid job of providing footballs and equipment so that in some townships those kids will be playing footy during a lot of their spare time.
One other thing I noticed which might explain the difference in scores between the two matches are the ethnic differences across South Africa. There are over a dozen Bantu ethnic groups, and the differences in physique between them can be pronounced. NWP is demographically dominated by Tswana, who tend to be lightly built in a way similar to Australian Aboriginals. That contrasts with the Bantu ethnic groups on the coast (Zulu in Kwa-Zulu Natal and Xhosa in the Western Province) who tend to be more powerfully built but less fleet of foot. In my experience playing footy, bigger players take longer to develop and a small fast team can sometimes put a big score on the board by running off their opponents into space.
Australian Football said | February 2nd 2010 @ 12:23pm | Report comment
MC,
who is this world team going to play? Are we expecting a mob from Mars to play a home and away series with us in the not too distant future
Strange title for this article.. when there is no world cup yet?
PS. Not knocking the lads—-but you always seem to be 100k visionary steps, in front of your own mob.
Michael C said | February 2nd 2010 @ 3:22pm | Report comment
not too far in front – remember it was not that long ago that I was suggesting things like:
re need some form of junior international ‘window of opportunity’ – whether a junior International cup type format but – more likely more continental/regional level.
and I suggested that there may be every chance of a ‘world’ team in Div 2 National Championships
and what have we got – not 1 but 2 ‘international’ sides in this years National Championships. Not a bad coming together of my ‘predictive wishlist’. ANd, reality is I DON’T know anyone in the business so to speak.
so – as I’d suggested elsewhere in here – if you’d bothered to read thru – I wouldn’t mind seeing the first port of call for a ‘World’ team at the senior level to take over as a regular opposition for the Indigenous All-Stars sides that have in previous years tended to play just another AFL club in pre-season matches generally up in Cairns or Darwin.
Timmuh said | February 2nd 2010 @ 7:06pm | Report comment
The Martians will, as normal, officiate the game.
Redb said | February 2nd 2010 @ 1:09pm | Report comment
bye bye thread. No-one can be bothered reading the article or the posts that explain it. So let’s just turn it into yet another code war thread of rubbish. Enjoy.
Brett McKay said | February 2nd 2010 @ 1:19pm | Report comment
on a serious note guys, and without wanting to inflame anything (although I admit I can’t control what might follow this question), what’s with this sudden race/trend to sign international rookies?? Are the international rookies now like the token Sydney metro rookies from a few years back (as in salary cap exclusions and so on)??
M1tch said | February 2nd 2010 @ 1:26pm | Report comment
‘Australian’ Football League, I tend to think they are trying to break out of mold that only Australians play the game
They are heading into West Sydney where 40% of people are born overseas..
Redb said | February 2nd 2010 @ 1:27pm | Report comment
Main interest from clubs: International rookies are outside the draft. The intro of the Gold Coast and Western Sydney has forced clubs to look further afield and the AFL I think cleverly has allowed considerable latitude on the international rookie front.
As has been said countless times on the Roar in the past couple of years, this is all very new. For the first time the AFL is actually getting a little serious about international development.
For ten years the game internationally has been driven by expats and now it starting to show limited growth in pockets, some like Sth Africa more than others.
Some one once asked the questions will globalisation hurt the AFL, the answer is that it will actually help it. As it will rugby league and union and soccer.
Redb
Redb said | February 2nd 2010 @ 1:29pm | Report comment
edit: Someone once asked the question with globalisation hurt the AFL?
dirk said | February 3rd 2010 @ 6:12pm | Report comment
Will the introduction of the Western Sydney Team and Gold Coast team lessen the quality of the game?
As I Swans fan I am worried as we have no locals coming through the ranks and with 2 teams in Queensland. The drain on Victoria is massive to fill the game with players.
We have no hope in hell of getting the rest of the world to follow and enter our ranks. I mean it the rest of the world does not care for our game and never will.
After all these years the game has been in Sydney it has been a massive fail getting decent players from Sydney and NSW.
How much are the players from oversees costing the AFL. Money that could help prop up the Swans to be honest. As the AFL has abandoned us chasing the Second Sydney Team junket
simonjzw said | February 2nd 2010 @ 1:29pm | Report comment
Well a serious answer then!!
The “rush” for international rookies is a product of three factors.
1) the success of the likes of Tahg Kennelly
2) the improved capacity of the foortball system to identify potential talent (Ricky Nixon’s Irish Academy for example)
3) the compromised draft over the next 3-4 years is forcing the clubs to look outside the square
And a good thing I say.
ItsCalledFootball said | February 2nd 2010 @ 1:53pm | Report comment
And they will play for less money – always a factor.
Australian Football said | February 2nd 2010 @ 2:07pm | Report comment
Maybe it’s because they have no real future in Football—–I can’t see anyone with real football potential wanting to play for less dollars if they have the ball skills and appetite for real glory on the World Stage, along with the big bucks. Of course there is always that possibilty they are being lied to.
Dogz R Barkn said | February 2nd 2010 @ 3:00pm | Report comment
Mate, zillions of different sports are played across the globe, some for big bucks, others for nothing.
So what’s your point exactly?
Why would you assume a young South African has been lied to if they try out a different sport.?
How many countless young African youths are taken to Europe under false pretences, all in the name of soccer?
Simmo said | February 2nd 2010 @ 3:53pm | Report comment
tonnes. It’s scandalous.
Michael C said | February 2nd 2010 @ 4:10pm | Report comment
reality is that for the billion and a half people in China (I’d hate to be that ‘half’) – you can only squeeze 11 into the national soccer team.
’nuff said.
The more sports the better.
bever fever said | February 2nd 2010 @ 3:07pm | Report comment
This may come as somewhat of a shock to you so i would advise you to sit down, …….. not everyone likes or plays soccer, and not every one plays sport to make millions of dollars.
At a guess most of the Australians playing soccer O/S dont make millions of $$$, but just a very basic/medium or good wage , and most Australians soccer players dont have real glory on the world stage.
Australian Football said | February 2nd 2010 @ 4:23pm | Report comment
Are you joking? The EPL, Serie A, La Liga, Bundesliga, Primera, are full of starry eyed kids wanting to be multi-millionaires and dream of playing for their respective native countries in a Football World Cup—–coming from the four corners of the world… Yes some are even lied to by the over zealous agents, but in the main the good ones want a full time professional football career and the very best make it through.. The ones that don’t may turn to lesser codes—–they are not fools, out side of Australia, the best will always opt for the Fame, the Glory, and the Wealth… I hope that’s not too much of a shock to your system…
~~~~~~~~
AF
cutelittledomesticgame said | February 2nd 2010 @ 1:22pm | Report comment
Republican – how many AFL starts from the ACT squad are there?