AFL teams shine in 2013, Bird says
The National, Tuesday October 8th, 2013
AFLPNG representative teams have achieved some outstanding successes in 2013, general manager Murray Bird says.
Bird said the improved performances had been enhanced by the support of the National Gaming Control Board (NGCB).
The Under-14 Binatangs surprised even themselves when they won the Queensland State Academy Championships with an emphatic nine-goal victory over North Queensland in the deciding match of that tournament in June.
AFLPNG’s U16 Binatangs won the inaugural South Pacific Cup , with a 10- goal victory over New Zealand in Townsville earlier this year.
“These and other achievements were only possible through the support of organisations like the NGCB,” Bird said.
“The NGCB’s support has not only helped us this year. Their K100,000 contributions to our programmes lead to AFLPNG expanding our selection processes for teams in 2014.
“During the last month and through to December we will be able to include youth who have not received the opportunity to represent their country.
“Kavieng, Bialla, Namatanai, Lihir Island and Kokopo now have new or improved programmes to enable access to the talent pathway. Our selections in Port Moresby and Lae were well attended. Over 1,200 youth attended selection trials for our four squads, hence the NGCB’s contribution has been vital.”
AFLPNG’s junior representative programme will end with the U17 Kurakums girls trip to the Queensland Championships, in Brisbane, in early November.