Michito Sakaki

Michito Sakaki (born May 19, 1983) has achieved recognition as currently being one of the best and most successful players to learn and play the game outside of Australia.

Michito, from the Waseda University club in Japan represented the Samurai, the Japanese national team, captaining the side in the Australian Football International Cups in both 2002 and 2005.

A small midfielder/rover (165cm, 68 kg), Michito impressed many at the tournament with his courageous player and ball winning ability.

Sakaki, along with teammate Tsuyoshi Kase was later invited to join the AFL/AIS academy camp in Canberra.

In a meteoric rise, in late 2005 Michito was invited, along with Tsuyoshi Kase to train with the Essendon Football Club by coach Kevin Sheedy.

In January 2006, Sakaki played in an intra-club practice game for Essendon, amassing an impressive 13 possessions, including 8 kicks, 5 handballs and 2 marks.

In late February 2006, Sakaki was named in the Essendon side to play in a 16-a-side practice match against the Sydney Swans in an exhibition match at North Sydney Oval. Although not an official AFL match, Sakaki became the first non-Irish international and player to learn the game overseas to play at AFL level.

• Top