The Australian U16's sides will probably win all games against the World U18's, but they will know they've been tackled once the NZ, PNG and Pacific boys confront them. Skills will be down for most but the intensity will be up. I look forward to attending some games if I can?

I imagine that some of the international guys will be very talented and reasonably experienced players around 17 years old, like some PNG players. They will well and truly give the Div 2 players a run for their money.

However some players, especially from less established countries, will be kids with raw athleticism but virtually no experience in Aussie Rules. I think they will get run rings around.

So yeah, overall I suspect the World 18 won't be good enough to win games in their first year. But over time each new year should see more and more players who are both athletic and have prior experience. A great barometer for the growth of the game.

Let's hope we get some northern hemisphere kids in there too - I think we all realise there is a danger of them getting left behind for various reasons (funding, distance, perceived potential, etc).


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Brett Northey - Co-founder and Chief Editor of WFN

Leading into IC 2008, there were only so many 'young kids' that were kinda known. How much would LIam Ackland, John James or Scott Fleming have benefitted from this had it been in place 2 years ago.

btw - any news on Susuve or Parika at GC17??