Solo team finishes 2nd in international AFL competition in Australia

A Solomon Islands AFL team has finished second losing to an experienced Dutch side in the final of the AFL development stream organised competition that attracted nine countries in Melbourne last weekend.

The mixed team of boys and girls (10 boys and two girls) also included long distance athletics queen Sharon Firisua who is currently on training in Melbrourne.

Team coach Billy Manu said: “I am so proud of the team (boys and girls) how they come together and performed at a high level in an international completion.  They’ve represented the country with professionalism and raw talent and the entire Solomon Island should be proud of these men and women.”

The team is made up of mostly seasonal workers who are currently working in Australia.

They lost to the Netherlands in the final.

“We played Netherlands, more experienced side. It was 1:5 final score. It was a really tight game; we could have won it.  I guess the pressure or intensity of the game that’s why. But we are looking forward and can not wait to take part next year,” said Manu.

The other countries who also took part include Brazil, El Salvador, Mexico,Nepal, Netherlands, Philipines, South Africa, Switzerland, United Nations, Wales and Zimbabwe.

The Solomon Islands team is made up of players from most provinces and had only three weeks to prepare of the competition.

Meanwhile Manu commended Firisu whom he said kicked few goals to help them beat Mexico by 13.0.

News@SBMOnline2023