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And so the games have been played and won, with Tasmania taking out Division 2. The South Pacific and World XVIII squads showed something, and they weren’t entirely humiliated. So what’s next then?
The indications are that this is the first outing of sides that will be regular combatants in the tournament.
The South Pacific squad performed better, although the close result against Queensland perhaps flattered them, given the inaccuracy of the Banana Benders as well as Queensland being reduced to just one on the bench in the last quarter due to injury.
Both international squads contained a number of ‘overage’ players. Hopefully, moving forward, this might be less so. And there might even be scope for an Under 18 version of each squad.
The World side was less well prepared.
There distances and costs are greater and they came from the USA and Canada, Europe, UK, Africa, Asia, South America and some newly arrived Australians.
A very diverse mix.
There is an interesting players diary that the AFL-Canada website has carried that gives an interesting insight to the value of the event. The Canadian contingent were delighted to meet Mike Pyke in Sydney and attend the Swans defeating North at the SCG.
They returned home delighted at the experience and urging others to work hard to have their own chance.
What would be great would be for the AFL to ensure the full funding of the international travel to ensure the best of the best (so long as they can afford the time) can attend.
For the South Pacific squad, a variety of activities over the last year especially has aided their preparation.
In August last year, an Oceania side defeated a North Queensland ‘All Stars’ side in Cairns at the Pacific Leaders forum. Then come December and the first Oceania Cup was held.
Tonga managed to win, and it was reported they’d training intensively for four months in the lead up.
Captain and cousin of Israel Folau, Peni Mahina, was the player of the tournament.
Liam Ackland from New Zealand has captured a bit of attention, having played as a 16 year-old in the 2008 International Cup, and now nearing 18, has added more ‘representative’ footy to his CV, as well as a short trial stint with the Glenelg under 18’s.
One wonders how closely Kevin Sheedy, Guy McKenna, or any AFL club, for that matter, was watching.
Will we see a flood of 16-18 year old international rookies later this year?
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