Australian Football has suffered in the eyes of some from being just that – Australian. Too Australian, in fact.
For many years, the notion of ‘International’ competition was limited to hybrid rules matches against the GAA of Ireland. Kinda nice , but the best thing coming out of it was the design of the Australian tops.
In more recent times, though, there have been more and more footy outposts springing up around the world. Generally dominated by expats in the early days, in the last 5-10 years there has been a greater shift to ‘local’ talent.
But for what purpose?
The AFL has put some token support into the thus far four International Cup tournaments. But for what purpose?
In a few nations, there has been a reasonable focus on juniors. But, again, for what purpose?
Well, there is finally a purpose.
This year’s national under 16 carnival will include two ‘International’ sides: the World 18 and the South Pacific Nations side.
This was announced last year and surprised many that two rather than just a single team were announced.
Now, finally, a talented kid like Liam Ackland from New Zealand is able to compete within the talent pathway. Granted, the International sides are up to under 18 and playing in an under 16 tournament.
It’s certainly all still early days.
The main benefit, now, going forward is that a kid in New Zealand or the US or Denmark who is talented, might find that he’s a natural at AFL.
There is now scope.
That said, Australia is still a long, long way from home for most and it’s a tough and unforgiving game.
Michael C
Guest
Norm - you'll be interested therefore to see the following mainstream coverage : International Rules OK.
Michael C
Roar Guru
yep - - I was trying to find it too. One of the best articles in recent times in the Aust general media was the one looking at footy (mostly) in Germany in Fairfax media late last year. We need more coverage like that.
Michael C
Roar Guru
so true, for Aust Footy - - we could so easily just figure it's not worth it and too hard - - but, there are enough examples coming through of people being attracted to it and enjoying it, but why? one reason that keeps coming up is the combination of skills that people have developed in multiple other sports - - they can use them all in the one place. another reason is the lack of off-side which does put it in very exclusive company and perhaps, simply that the 2 Rugby codes effectively occupy the same territory as does American/Canadian football. Soccer is diametrically opposed. Australian Football sits in the middle pretty well alone. Will these aspects be enough to allow an explosion internationally..............like Republican - I hope not........because that would most likely require a hybridisation of the game to something more like the Int Rules variant. There's no such thing really as 'better' or 'best'............just different. No one's seriously suggesting professional leagues overseas or (relatively) mass attendance/viewers overseas...........but, like so much, you just never know. Even the 100% amateur International Cup is now developing it's own history and it's own prestige that only the passage of time permits.
SideShowBob
Roar Rookie
This has been touched on a few times before. Maybe in New Zealand it might be an issue to call the sport "Australian Football", but up here in Europe it is actually quite a useful advantage. The Australian brand is strong and the locals tend to be genuinely interested in Australia and its own code of football, once they have seen it and the basics explained. I think there are very good reasons to get more live AFL matches to FTA or main-stream cable up here in the longer term, and this level of broadcasting is only going to open more doors to local participation and support.
SideShowBob
Roar Rookie
Or like moi, who is actually overseas DOING it - which could be kinda important too.
SideShowBob
Roar Rookie
Then it's not much of a cerebral challenge for you Norm.
Rob
Guest
Dream on fellas.
Norm
Guest
But that's just it Gunna, there's nothing to know.
Son of a Gun
Roar Rookie
Good comment Sheek.
Forgetmenot
Guest
These international steps are becoming more and more frequent. But we must keep pushing hard at it. Those like WC929406 are doing a fantastic job of promoting the game overseas, while people like Michael C are doing an excellent job raising awareness of footballs growing international presence in the general Australian public.
Son of a Gun
Roar Rookie
Very true MC, generally they would rather play English football games in Sydney and NZ. QLD seems to be a bit of a exception. Back on the thread, PNG under16's seems to have come either 5th or 6th out of 8 teams in the QLD under 16's champs. http://www.sportingpulse.com/assoc_page.cgi?client=1-4711-0-0-0&sID=56333&&news_task=DETAIL&articleID=12050102§ionID=56333 Good effort, have seen a couple of PNG boys on AFL rookie lists recently, more to come it seems.
sheek
Guest
Michael C, It's hard to break culture. People get used to what they grow up with. I've played all 4 footy codes - soccer, Aussie rules, league, union - & enjoyed them all. Growing up in PNG, my folks could have sent me to a rugby league private school in NSW, & I would have loved that. Or they could have sent me to an Aussie rules private school in Victoria (which very nearly happened) & I would have loved that. If they were really rich they could have sent me to a soccer playing private school in England, & perhaps I would have loved that. But as it happened they sent me to a rugby union private school in NSW, & I loved that. We Aussies might love our AFL, & think it the greatest game in the world. Just as most of the youth of the world reckon soccer's the best; or Americans love their NFL; or Canadians their Canadian football or the Irish their Gaelic football; or the northern English their rugby league. i don't know know what you do to make your sport different, or appear better. Just because one group of people think they have the best game in the world, doesn't mean everyone else will follow suit.
Michael C
Roar Guru
gilbank - yes, played by ex pats, and a few curious locals........and in a couple of schools, and that'll do for now. It's still in a 'growth' phase by relative measures. It'll probably peak soon. Or it may grow a bit more. The AFL at least, finally - came on board to provide some 'support' and we might see over the next 10-20 years what that 'support' can achieve, because, the last 10-20 years has been effectively driven without substantive AFL support.
Michael C
Roar Guru
sheek - re international foot prints.......let's just keep it 'relative', relative to footy participation in Tasmania.......the 'international' footprint is already larger. And, now, that international footprint is building it's access points to the 'elite' talent pathway. That's all. the main thing is - - outside of Australia (and the anti Vic colonial hangover attitude of Sydney folk) and outside of NZ with the anti Australian attitude..........then.....the games only got to contend with a lack of ovals and a lack of coverage and Australia being too far from everywhere and every other logical reason why it can't make it big............but it's ruddy great to play!!
Son of a Gun
Roar Rookie
Captain nemo and Norm seem to know more about the international aspect of the game than many people who follow it. Interesting !!!, wonder why that would be ?.
Dogz R Barkn
Roar Guru
IN fairness, the A-League and Melbourne Victory did it (in fact, I think the winner even got a game, not sure). There may even have been two series.
Norm
Guest
Here's an interesting update-: http://www.smh.com.au/afl/afl-news/forget-folau-afl-moves-on-to-see-if-americans-can-play-footy-20100509-uluh.html -"Gladovic plans to turn the American AFL star search into a reality TV show..." Rather sums up International AFL.
Dogz R Barkn
Roar Guru
That's an amazing clip captain, with no shortage of pathos. Seeing the dusty field, the burned out wreck in the foreground, the old footies that look like they have taken a bit of a pounding, well, what can one say. All power to the Nauruans.
captain nemo
Roar Guru
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlvI1pDuP1c&feature=related
SideShowBob
Roar Rookie
WC929406, do you have a link to that article online?