Australian rules football in Samoa has been played since 1997.
The governing body for the sport was formed under the name Samoa Australian Rules Football Association in 1998, becoming the AFL Samoa in 2007. The national team, which first competed at the Arafura Games was originally known as the Bulldogs, the name being chosen as the AFL's Western Bulldogs wore the Samoan national colours and has sent some professional players to visit the islands on clinics. The team was later renamed the 'Kangaroos', after forging ties with the North Melbourne Football Club.
In early years, the game was typically played under derived rules known as 'Samoa Rules' and on rugby fields.
The Australia Network began televising games in Samoa in 2002.
AFL players to visit Samoa for coaching clinics include Dermott Brereton, Brad Johnson and Steve Kretiuk.
Australian football competition went into recess in 2006 following the 2005 Australian Football International Cup. In 2007 the AFL Samoa's programs were reinvigorated under new development officer in Michael Roberts, mainly focussing on junior and schoolboys' development.
There is a full time development officer funded by AusAid, a junior development program and a schoolboy's tournament.
Read more about Australian Rules Football In Samoa: Participation, High Profile Players, Samoa Rules
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