PLAYERS in the AFL International Cup each have their own reasons for making the long journey to Australia to participate.
For some it’s about the chance to represent their country and for other it’s simply about playing the game they love.
But watch just five minutes of action out in the middle and it’s quickly apparent; the teams are also here to win.
Finland and Sweden may be anchored at the bottom of Pool C after both suffered heavy losses in Round 1, but their clash on Wednesday looms as one of the must-see matches of the tournament.
While the pair traditionally battle it out on an ice hockey rink, tomorrow they put their national pride on the line in an encounter that promises plenty.
The two Scandinavian countries were due to play each other in the lead up to the 2014 International Cup but Elks captain Chris Martensson said the Finns failed to show up.
“We invited them to come to Stockholm and everything was in place but a week or so before the game they cancelled. I’m not sure if they were scared but I think so,” Martensson said with a sly grin.”
“They are bit like us with a lot of new guys and are a bit untested so it should be a tough clash.”
Finland succumbed to Sweden in their only other International Cup encounter in 2008 but skipper Mika Kupila said the Icebreakers were primed for an upset this time around.
“It would mean a lot to beat Sweden, they are our arch rival and that’s the game we want to win at the tournament,” Kupila said.
“At the minute, Sweden is last after Round 1 and we’re second last so we’re happy for now.”
Straight after the Sweden v Finland blockbuster, another war will be waged when the USA tackles their northern neighbours Canada.
Both teams enjoyed big wins in Round 1 and know another victory is critical in order to qualify for next week’s play-offs.
The two teams face off annually and while it’s the USA that has held sway in recent times, the Canadians remain a dark horse after improving significantly over the past three years.
The two games headline a huge day of action at Royal Park with USA Freedom and Canada’s development team the Midnight Suns arguably the most significant in the Women’s division.
In other games, Pakistan will be looking for their first ever victory when they take on Japan.
The Japanese were overpowered by powerhouse Papua New Guinea on Sunday but showed enough to suggest they’ll be a tough ask for the Shaheens.
The South Africa v Tonga clash also promises to be spectacle as the strength of the Thunder is pitted against the skill of the Lions.
All Round 2 games will be played at Royal Park, except for the China v New Zealand game which will be hosted by the St Kilda FC at the Linen House Centre- Seaford.
