Papua New Guinea Mosquitoes

MOSQUITO MAGIC
Don't mistake PNG's lack of size of heart.

The PNG Mosquitoes have been one of their nation's most successful teams over many years, winning gold at the Arafura Games with undefeated runs in 1995, 1997 and 1999.

The Mosquitoes have been runners-up in both the 2002 and 2005 International Cups, losing to the Irish in the Grand Final the first time around and to the tall New Zealand side three years ago.

In 2008, PNG is still relatively undersized, but expect to see a quick, skilful and hard-running side once again, a team that should prove very hard to beat.

Last year, thanks to support from AFLQ talent manager Mark Browning, the young Binatangs stepped up to play at the Queensland State Championships at both under-14 and under-16 level, while PNG players have also played in the under-16 and under-18 Queensland Scorpions state teams over the past three years.

Beyond that, AFL PNG has had senior players on scholarship in Queensland at various levels for the past four years, with the core of the 2008 Mosquitoes coming from Australian scholarship players at AFLQ State Leage clubs Zillmere, Coolangatta, Nambour and Caboolture.

PNG scholarship players have won selection in state representative squads, teams of the year, rising star awards, club best and fairests as well as other honours. The scholarship program is expected to grow, with many Queensland clubs now looking to recruit PNG players to strengthen their playing lists.

The final frontier is to have another AFL PNG player rookie-listed in the AFL - Mal Michael was elevated from Collingwood's rookie list in 1997 before becoming a three-time premiership player with the Brisbane Lions - and with interest in international recruiting blossoming and a raft of opportunities now arising in Queensland football through GC17 and PNG's ongoing relationship with the Lions, before long a talented Binatang/Mosquito could earn this honour.

Once this occurs, the dam could well burst, just as it has for Indigenous players in the AFL.

When you watch the PNG Mosquitoes run out to take on their far taller opponents in the 2008 International Cup, expect to see some real fireworks. Don't be concerned that the PNG boys seem vertically challenged, for what they lack in height they more than compensate for in electrifying pace, fierce tackling and an amazing ability to jump.

The PNG boys come from the land of the unexpected, and often play their football the same way, so sit back and enjoy the show.

With a new game plan for 2008 devised by the much-vaunted AFL PNG brains trust of Andrew Cadzow, Pepe Kila, Walter Yangomina, Scott Reid and big man specialist Grant McKenzie, the Mosquitoes are determined to finally step up from their perennial bridesmaid role and grab hold of the coveted Cup this time around. The team will not be satisfied with second yet again.

However, even if PNG fails to win at long last, many thanks still go out to the Mosquitoes' AFLQ scholarship clubs, including the Suncoast Lions, Coolangatta, Nambour, Caboolture, Springwood and especially to hosts Bacchus Marsh Football Club. It is through their support and the opportunities they provide for PNG's players to develop that any success is due.

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