South Africa's International Australian Rules Football team visited Patersons Stadium this week as part of the lead up to the 2011 AFL International Cup.
The Lions toured Patersons Stadium during their visit to Perth and had the opportunity to see the Fremantle and West Coast changerooms as well the WA Football Hall of Fame and media facilities.
The Lions arrived in Perth on Friday July 29 for a 12 day development tour which included two practice matches and a series of training sessions and coaching workshops, all under the watchful eye of Swan Districts Football Club.
The Lions have formed a strong partnership with Swan Districts since the club assited their preparations for the 2008 International Cup.
The Lions tour of WA provided a real opportunity for the players to develop and learn from experienced AFL campaigners such as Swans Coaching & Talent Manager Adrian Hickmott.
The team will compete in the 2011 AFL International Cup (IC11) in Sydney from August 13-21 and Melbourne from August 24-27, with a Grand Final at the MCG on August 27.
The Lions will be up against 18 teams from countries including China, Sweden, USA, France, India and Great Britain, as well as a Peace Team consisting of Israelis and Palestinians, which also took part in the International Cup in 2008.South Africa finished 11th in the 2002 AFL International Cup, 8th in 2005 and roared up to 3rd in 2008. Their goal in 2011 is to make the Grand Final and have a crack at winning the tournament.
When asked about the likely style the Lions will bring, AFL South Africa Operations Manager Joel Kelly explained the South Africans have a lot of new players.
"The 2011 squad of 28 features 19 new faces and there’s no doubt we will benefit from the fact that three of our key players have experienced State League footy in Victoria and Tasmania this year,” he said.
“The team is not tall by any standards but does have good leg speed and the skills have improved quite a bit since 2008, so you’re more likely to see a ‘run and carry’ style of game that plays to our strengths."
Australian rules football is rapidly growing in South Africa especially amongst indigenous communities, beginning in the North West province and later spreading to other areas through the hard work of development officers.
