PNG AFL Teams Recognition Reception

The Australian High Commission Minister Counsellor, Elizabeth Le Bas, hosted a reception last week at the Australian High Commission in Port Moresby in recognition of the progress of the AFL PNG Youth Academies. 

Papua New Guinea’s National Under 17 and Under 14 AFL Academy teams recently competed in the prestigious AFL Pacific Nations Cup and the AFL QLD Academy Carnival, respectively, from 12–14 September 2025, in Cairns and from 22-24 September in Maroochydore (Sunshine Coast), Australia. Their participation in these two tournaments was supported through Australia’s PacificAus Sports, which continues to strengthen sporting ties and development pathways in PNG and across the Pacific.  

Minister Counsellor, Elizabeth Le Bas, highlighted Australia’s strong support of the teams, highlighting: “We’re excited to support the girls’ and boys’ teams from Papua New Guinea to participate in these tournaments. We’re proud of their impressive sporting performances and hope they grow from their experiences with the cross-cultural engagements with players from other countries. 

“We are working together in a joint program, Australia and PNG, and I think that it’s fantastic. Our countries share a rich history of the sport, and we’re thrilled that you’re able to participate in it. We’re proud to support elite sports in PNG through PacificAus Sports, so in addition to AFL and rugby league, we also support cricket, netball, tennis, and soccer. It’s really exciting that we’re partnering with the next generation of AFL champions from PNG.” 

This year’s tournaments in Australia hold a special significance as they were staged right before and after PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary on the 16th of September, marking a proud moment for the nation as its young athletes represented Papua New Guinea on the international stage. 

The Under 17 Binatang boys were runners-up to Nauru. Gerard Hebei of the Under 17 Binatangs, who was awarded the best player of the tournament, delightfully said: “It’s been a privilege to be a part of the academy for two years. Last year, I was part of the team in Brisbane, and this year, I was part of the team again in Cairns. It’s a good experience and I learnt a lot of things to improve myself on and off the field.” 

The Under 17 Kurakum girls player, Magdiel Lovoni, commended the team spirit displayed during the event, stating: “I’m really proud to be part of an amazing team. In my experience, it was very challenging throughout the games. We stayed positive and that’s what I admire about our team – we never give up.” 

In the AFL QLD Academy Carnival, the Under 14 Binatang boys played well and improved across the program, challenging themselves against teams from Australia that will hold them well as they continue through their pathway. 

Looking ahead, the PacificAus Sports will also support the AFL PNG Under 15 boys and girls from 4-7 December 2025, when they will attend the AFL Oceania Cup in Suva, Fiji.  

AFL Queensland’s International Development Manager, Ben Drew, added: “The top 25-30 male and female players from the upcoming Under 15 AFL Oceania Cup will be invited to attend the upcoming Under 16 Pacific Academy Camps on the Gold Coast in 2026.

“These camps provide a wonderful opportunity for aspiring Pacific AFL players to test their talents against players within the Brisbane Lions & Gold Coast Suns academy programs. Players are invited from Pacific AFL playing countries like PNG, Nauru, Vanuatu, Fiji, Tonga & New Zealand.”