Hood Lagoon set for AFL action

Sports

THE Hood Lagoon villages of Keapara, Alukuni and Karawa are set to kick off their Aussie rules competition at Shell Park in Central tomorrow.
This follows the inauguration of the competition by the Papua New Guinea Australian Football League (AFL) Commission in partnership Port Moresby AFL (POMAFL) at Keapara’s Shell Park last Saturday.
AFL interest among Hood Lagoon youths gathered momentum when the POMAFL season was launched at Keapara in June during which exhibition matches were played between West Eagles and Dockers.
“The interest is really high and players are turning up every afternoon at the park to kick around and have a modified social match,” Hood Lagoon AFL interim president William Maha said. “This clearly indicates that they are ready to start the competition and play competitive football.”
He said Taiga Eagles, Ra’ula Kangess, Raio Sharks, Kiru Hawks, Ralunama Angels, Anave Kopuas, Turiga Dockers and Keleiruna Saints had been confirmed to take part in the competition.
The eight teams will be coached by former Koboni stars in Maha, Veropo Namba, Ila Akaru, Notau Alewa, Nuga Amini, Leka Leka, Gimana Ilaraki, and Ila Mavu.
The teams received two sets of uniforms and a match ball from POMAFL.
POMAFL president Douglas Lai said the Hood Lagoon competition was not restricted for Koboni recruitment alone, but for all other POMAFL clubs.