This article is republished with the permission of the author, who is the editor of Samoan newspaper Newsline.

AUSTRALIAN football is not a popular sport in Samoa, but Craig Cameron is willing to give Samoa a shot.

Cameron is Richmond's strategy and list manager, and he means business in Samoa.

Speaking to Samoan newpaper Newsline, Cameron elaborated on his presence in the Pacific Island nation.

"The reason we're here is [the] AFL has changed rules in terms of International participation. They have produced another list for football clubs to have, which is [the] international development list or international scholarship list," he said.

The list is one which can qualify international players, potentially from Samoa, to pursue a future in AFL in Australia.

Samoa was recommended to Richmond by a businessman connected to the team.

Cameron said: "He suggested we come here and have a look, because of the fact that there is already AFL being played on the island."

Richmond had also established contact with Michael Roberts, the AFL co-ordinator in Samoa.

For close to 10 years AFL has been developed in Samoa, starting from the Aus-Kick program for primary school students, which involves teaching the basic rules of the game.

Last year a high school AFL tournament was held, with Leififi intermediate taking home the win.

Cameron was asked about his hopes for Samoan players.

"What I am hoping to find is people who are enthusiastic about AFL," he said. "Therefore there will be some chance for it to be developed within Samoa and also to find some guys that have the athleticism who could go and play Australian Rules.

But Cameron is not expecting to find that immediately.

"I am just seeing if there is a possibility of developing the game," he said.

Asked about the potential of Samoan players, Cameron said he could only judge from rugby games he has seen on TV, but his trip here is a fact-finding mission.

"I think we will find a lot of power athletes here, so, strong guys. AFL and Rugby players have different body shapes. Sevens and traditional rugby seem to have different body shapes as well, so the guys that play sevens have the shape that is closer to what Australian rules [players require], and they may be what we are looking for," Cameron said.

Cameron expects to find players that have lots of power, are quick and have the ability to jump and have good hand and eye coordination.