The World Team claimed a 24-point victory over the Flying Boomerangs in an entertaining showcase of young multicultural and Indigenous talent at Gosch’s Paddock on Sunday.
The game featured more than 50 of the most talented 16-and-under boys from across the country and was the culmination of a four-day program in Melbourne for the Flying Boomerangs and World Team programs.
The World Team comprised players with a parent born outside of Australia, while the Flying Boomerangs featured Indigenous talent.
After an even first half, the World Team was able to break away to secure an 8.20 (68) to 5.10 (40) triumph.
Pascoe Vale’s Hussien El Achkar and Cody Johnson from the Eaton Boomers were among the leading performers for the World Team, while William Akec and Reed Francis-Nia Nia both booted two goals.
Kobe Williams, the son of former Hawthorn and Essendon forward Mark, was best for the Flying Boomerangs. Waylon Davey was also a solid performer and booted two goals.
The national Flying Boomerangs and World Team programs are designed to enable opportunities for young diverse male talent to develop on and off the field and prepare them for the transition to their respective mainstream state and territory programs and the National Diversity Academies for their 17th and 18th years, leading up to the NAB AFL Draft.
The programs are structured around four key pillars: Football, Leadership, Culture and Health/Wellbeing.
In addition to the match on Sunday, the players also attended the 2022 NAB AFL National Combine at Margaret Court Arena to observe.
Participants also participated in workshops, trained at RSEA Park and were mentored by current and former AFL players and staff throughout the four-day program, which was the first held since 2019.
Please click here to watch a replay of the match between the Flying Boomerangs and World Team.
Flying Boomerangs 1.3 2.5 4.7 5.10 (44)
World Team 1.3 3.9 5.14 8.20 (68)
BEST
Flying Boomerangs: Kobe Williams, Waylon Davey, Rylee McHenry, Tore Nelson, Adrian Scott
World Team: Hussien El Achkar, Cody Johnson, Obie Chambers, Adam Sweid, Harrison Creighton
GOALS:
Flying Boomerangs: Waylon Davey 2, Shaquan Davey, Kayde Pickett, Adrian Scott
World Team: William Akec, Reed Francis-Nia Nia 2, Obie Chambers, Lery James, Alexander Makey, Alix Tauru