Arafura Games

 

Although New Zealand had participated in the Jubilee Carnival in Melbourne in 1908, it would be another 87 years before the staging of the first Australian football tournament involving more than one international team.

 

It was the Arafura Games in Darwin in 1995 that brought international teams together in a tournament for the first time.

 

This was largely due to the work of Darwin football identity Darryl Window, who scoffed at suggestions that footy wasn't played overseas. Thanks to his efforts international teams came together to compete in the International Australian Football Championship, with Papua New Guinea defeating New Zealand in the final.

 

Aussie Rules returned to the Games in 1997, 1999 and 2001.

 

There can be no doubt that the catalyst for the inaugural International Cup in Melbourne in 2002 was the resounding success of Australian football at the Arafura Games. As such the city of Darwin will always hold a special place in the history of international footy.

 

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