In AFL, the selection process for possible additions to AFL PNG Mosquitos is expected to be a lot tougher this year, as the team is now under pressure to defend their title in the Australian Football International Cup, in August 2017.
Initial selections for the training squad were made after the 2014 International Cup and Senior Football Operations Manager Rex Leka said AFL PNG plans to scout new talent during the PNG Games.
Senior Operations Football Manager Rex Leka said talented players vying for a spot in the Mosquitos will have to prove themselves during the PNG Games.
There will also be a trim down for the new players who were scouted in 2014.
AFL PNG is focused to bring out a team that will be able to defend their 2014 title and make it their third win in the Australian Football International Cup.
Meanwhile, there are plans in place to get the women’s national team, the Flames, into the International Cup.
Leka said women’s participation in AFL around the country as well as the Port Moresby (POM) AFL has not been consistent, and he urges more women to join the code.
For AFL POM, the Women’s division was introduced in 2013 and now four years on, it is still struggling to gain participation.
Leka added, until more women participate and bring in competition, can AFL PNG push for a women’s team in the Australian Football International Cup.
