AFL to add "World XVIII" to national under-16 championships Mark Stevens From: Herald Sun October 28, 2009 10:19PM
THE AFL is poised to ramp up its international development program by adding a "World XVIII" team to its elite junior program.
From next season, a team comprising the best teenage prospects from outside Australia will play in the national under-16 championships.
The World XVIII will compete in division two of the July titles, under the noses of AFL club scouts.
The squad of 25 will include about 15 players from Papua New Guinea, South Africa and New Zealand. The remainder will come from Ireland, Japan, Fiji, Tonga, Nauru, Canada, the US and Europe.
AFL chief executive Andrew Demetriou heralded the concept as a major step in casting the AFL recruiting net wider.
"This is the most significant step in the AFL's international development plans," Demetriou said last night. "There are some genuine opportunities we are seeking to pursue.
"Karmichael Hunt was born in New Zealand, Mal Michael came from PNG and we have more than 15,000 young players in South Africa."
Only international-born players, who have been living outside Australia for at least three years, will be eligible for selection.
Some over-age players could be selected, with the league focusing on 15 to 18-year-olds.
If successful, a World XVIII could also take part in the national under-18 championships.
The AFL has already invested in logo and jumper designs for the team and sees the concept as its most significant step into international recruiting.
Following a formal announcement, expected today, the league will start a search for a coach with a strong development background to take the reins of the team.
AFL general manager of game development David Matthews said overseas recruiting would gain momentum with the introduction of the international rookie scheme.
"With this expansion phase there will be 80 new jobs created ... why not look at international talent?," Matthews said. "The AFL must be innovative and continue to maintain its talent pool."
The national under-16 championships will be held in Blacktown, as part of the AFL's push to win the hearts and minds of the western Sydney community.
The World XVIII will compete against Queensland, Tasmania, the Northern Territory and NSW/ACT.
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/afl-to-add-world-xviii-to-national-under-16-championships/story-e6frf9ix-1225792251882
