HISTORY was made at Blacktown International Sports Park on Sunday when both the World XVIII and South Pacific teams registered their first victories in the NAB AFL Under-16 Championship.
The World XVIII and South Pacific defeated the Northern Territory by 16 points and Tasmania by two points respectively.
The teams were introduced to the division two pool last year to establish a pathway for talented young footballers throughout the world. The results today highlight the growing talent opportunity outside Australia.
AFL director of coaching Peter Schwab said the World XVIII dominated the last quarter, outscoring the Territorians 5.4 to two behinds.
"The World team had good players across the board and beat the NT with their run and speed. Their ball use was excellent. The team had great determination and their skill level after half-time was outstanding," Schwab said.
Da Silva, Amaral, Aneet and Saad were the World's best players while nine different players kicked goals. The World team's height, particularly Sudanese players Aliir Alliir and Abraham Kur, was also an advantage.
The South Pacific was very aggressive with hard tackling and running throughout the match. Star of the side was Brendan Beno from Papua New Guinea who kicked five goals. He was supported by Joses Lawrence and Anthony Joel who played midfield and forward.
A highlight was the performance of Kiwi ruckman Shem Tatupu in the final quarter. He kicked two goals with steer strength to help steer the side to victory.
The championships continue with division one matches on Tuesday at Blacktown International Sports Park. The World XVIII and South Pacific play their next matches on Wednesday at Bruce Purser Oval in Rouse Hill in Sydney's Greater West.
MATCH ONE
South Pacific 11.13 (79)
Tasmania 10.17 (77)
GOALS
South Pacific: Beno 5, Alphonse 2, Tatupu 2, Joel, Stegman
Tasmania: Wiggins 4, Boscott 2, Webster 2, Sergeant, Visser
BEST
South Pacific: Simon, Heatherley, Beno, Gavuri, Joel, Logo
Tasmania: Sergeant, Boscott, Johnston, Webster, K.Kolodjashnij
MATCH TWO
World XVIII 13.11 (89)
Northern Territory 11.7 (73)
GOALS
World XVIII: Masaki 2, Gamakhulu 2, Jalloh 2, Saad 2, Aneet, Majok, Lual, Selman, Aliir
Northern Territory: Richardson 2, Sedan 2, Wasley-Black, McGarvie, McDonald, Pollard, McAuliffe, Simpson, Darcy
Best
World XVIII: Saad, Aneet, Masaki, Abdallah, Peni, Gamakhulu
Northern Territory: Ankers, Seden, Pekham, Rioli, Pollard, Fuller
MATCH THREE
Queensland 14.7 (91)
NSW/ACT 8.20 (68)
GOALS
Queensland: Bourke 8, Mills 2, Selman, Pendlebury, Gribble, Hay
NSW/ACT: Bond 2, Steele, Wall, Gibbons, Delves, Damme, Clothier
BEST
Queensland: Radford, Rokeby Southern, Bourke, Rutledge, Pendlebury
NSW/ACT: Keogh, Perris, Gibbons, Clothier, Clyne, Ryan
