This week, South East Queensland is playing host to the AFL Nauru All-Stars team
Twenty-two of AFL Nauru’s best, combined with a few players from local communities in Queensland, will play two games against South East Queensland teams this weekend.
Tonight, The All-Stars will line up against the Zillmere Eagles at Zillmere, before taking on Pine Rivers at Strathpine tomorrow.
The 22 Nauruan players were selected based on 2015 performances in the six-team AFL Nauru senior competition.
It hasn’t all just been about a couple of games of footy though.
After landing in Australia on Monday, the team pulled on the boots Tuesday and Wednesday night when they trained at Zillmere.
Yesterday, the All-Stars had an access all areas pass to the Gold Coast SUNS training session, touring the facility and watching the team train.
AFL Development Manager – South Pacific, Ben Drew, said the enthusiasm of the Nauru group represents the whole south pacific region.
“The passion for AFL in the South Pacific is enormous, so it’s great that these 22 players can come and experience footy on our shores,” Drew said.
“People should know how strong the competition is over there. Their skills and enthusiasm to become better are terrific, and the volunteers that make it all work are fantastic.
“So far this week has been great for them, and I can’t wait to see them in the games across the weekend.
“We are very thankful to both Zillmere and Pine Rivers for the opportunity to play.”
Game Schedule
AFL Nauru All-Stars vs. Zillmere
Friday March 18, 7:30pm, Zillmere AFC
AFL Nauru All-Stars vs. Pine Rivers
Saturday Match 19, 3:00pm, Rob Akers Reserve
By Andrew Wiles
Follow @andrewjwiles
