A universal love of the game

FOOTY will always be inherently Australian. But where once its playerswere Browns, Smiths and Stewarts, peppered with the odd Jesualenko orDiPierdomenico, 2008 heralds an age where names like Hlomela, Tjernlundand Zhao permeate clubs lists around the world.

They are the names of passionate converts to the game who have learnedto play in the dusty South African plains, the freezing conditions ofthe Arctic Circle and the blistering summer heat of the subcontinent.

From 2005 to 2008, the number of nations competing in the triennialAustralian Football International Cup grew from 11 to 16. This year'sevent saw the debut of India, China, Sweden, Finland and a combinedIsraeli and Palestinian side – the Peace Team.

The surprise packet was South Africa, a side who showed promise from the outset with its endurance, speed and athleticism.

Under the guidance of AFL youth and high performance co-ordinator JasonMcCartney, the Lions easily accounted for China and Denmark in theopening rounds. But it was their shock wins over the US Revolution andIreland to finish third overall that cemented them as a force to bereckoned with.

The quiet achievers were the Nauru Chiefs, who, after a first roundloss to Papua New Guinea, went on to beat some of the competition'spowerhouses in the United States, Great Britain and Canada. The Chiefsfinished fifth overall.

China's Red Demons were described in the International Cup Record as'the sleeping giants', referring to its bright football future. Theterm couldn't have been more apt in the first few rounds, as the teamappeared to be well and truly asleep, failing to register even a score.

They broke the drought during the first round finals in Warrnambool,where they scored but lost against the Peace Team. In their final matchagainst India, the Red Demons recorded their first ever win.

Samoa's giants were of the gentle variety, rough and unrelenting duringtheir matches, but pious and reflective off the field. Their team songechoed like a church hymn before the team knelt collectively in prayerfollowing each game.

Forever optimists, the Japanese Samurais displayed the upbeat courageof their homeland's world-renowned game show contestants. After a firstround thumping from New Zealand, the Samurais celebrated a win againstSamoa with an enthusiastic victory lap, spurred on by the applause andcheers of onlookers at the Royal Park ovals.

While the Japanese exulted, disappointment prevailed for the UnitedStates and Great Britain. The US Revolution came into the Cup with highexpectations that were dashed by losses to Nauru and South Africa.Nauru also claimed the Bulldogs' scalp, followed by a loss to Papua NewGuinea that saw the Brits play off for ninth spot against Samoa.

Defending champions New Zealand kept a low profile off-field andcontinued to dominate on the field until they confronted the excitementpackage of the Papua New Guinea Mosquitoes.

Led by 17-year-old Amua Pirika and fellow young guns John James, StanisSusuve and Donald Barry, PNG used their speed and strong tacklingpressure to claw their way to victory in the International Cup grandfinal after trailing for three quarters.

Pirika finished Friday's MCG curtain raiser in style with a kick afterthe siren that had the Hawthorn cheer squad in raptures that rivalledtheir adoration of Buddy Franklin.

Canada's Northwind were the team which boasted the best support,bringing their own cheer squad replete with team colours, flags andpainted faces.

But the crowd's choice, without a doubt, went to the Peace Team, whichfinished a respectable 13th on the ladder after most of its players hadnot even heard of Australian football until February of this year.

Everywhere they went, the Peace Team attracted vocal support with theirimpassioned spirit. Their first win of the tournament against China inround three was celebrated in the fashion of a grand final victory.

Thursday's International Cup dinner at Crown Casino celebrated amerging of cultures, opening with performances from Aboriginalmusicians followed by songs from South Africa, Samoa, the Peace Teamand a heartfelt rendition of Fields of Athenry from the Irish lads.

'Our love was on the wing' was a lyric that rang true for many of the dinner's attendees, who have also found love – on the centre wing, that is.

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