Port Moresby dominate national AFL champs

By ROBINSON LEKA
Laurabada won the Australian Football League national men’s championship after edging fellow Port Moresby side Mirigini 31-16 in the final in Kimbe, West New Britain, yesterday.
Following a tough three days of competition, the two Port Moresby sides came out on top of their respective groups which saw them do battle in a thrilling final in front of a packed crowd in Kimbe.
In the women’s division, Kimbe came out victorious over Lae in the final. Port Moresby and Talasea finished third and fourth respectively.
AFLPNG senior community football manager Rex Leka told The National that he was pleased with the turnout during the championships and said the next step would see selections for the men’s and women’s national teams. “It’s was very competitive over the three days and although we were running on a tight schedule, it was a successful event,” he said.
“We had a good attendance from the locals, who came out in numbers, as well as AFLPNG commission’s deputy chairman Loi Bakani and commissioner Dominic Kaumu.
“Physically, all the teams were matched but in terms of skills, you could see teams from Port Moresby and Lae being a step ahead.
“Having said that, the West New Britain players were really tough to get around.
“We saw a lot of talent who we’ve identified during the championships.
“There will be selections done for the PNG Mosquitos and Flames training squads. We will start with the training squads before we finalise the teams early next year for the AFL International Cup in Australia.”