Sport in Papua New Guinea - Australian Rules Football

Australian Rules Football

Australian rules football has experienced considerable growth over the past decade, boasting the second highest number of players in the world (after Australia). Australian rules football was introduced by Australian soldiers during World War II, but has gained popularity with the introduction of players at the top level into the AFL, including Mal Michael and James Gwilt.

The Papua New Guinea national Australian rules football team (The Mosquitos) were crowned International champions in 2008, by defeating the previous title holders New Zealand. In 2008, they also lead the international competition in overall medal placings, having previously won silver, in both 2002 and 2005.

AFL-PNG is the governing body of the sport in Papua New Guinea.

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Famous quotes containing the words australian, rules and/or football:

    Each Australian is a Ulysses.
    Christina Stead (1902–1983)

    Carnal lust rules where there is no love of God.
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    People stress the violence. That’s the smallest part of it. Football is brutal only from a distance. In the middle of it there’s a calm, a tranquility. The players accept pain. There’s a sense of order even at the end of a running play with bodies stewn everywhere. When the systems interlock, there’s a satisfaction to the game that can’t be duplicated. There’s a harmony.
    Don Delillo (b. 1926)