AFL Coach Wants Improvement
AFL Fiji has selected their 50-member extended squad ahead of the International Cup 2017 in Melbourne, Australia from August 5-19.
“The main aim is for both the women and men’s teams to finish better than they did back in 2014,” said head coach and development officer Simon Highfield.
“I’m expecting a strong and improved performance. The men finished 10th in 2014 and are really building-up to challenge the top teams of Papua New Guinea, Ireland and New Zealand. Fiji has the opportunity to enter the elite level and I believe with this squad we are developing. The women finished 5th in 2014 and I know the girls are out to improve their results this year as well.”
The 50-member squad members will undergo two weeks of vigorous training before the final 25-member squad will be announced on June 17.
Highfield said with players fighting to earn their spot in the final squad, it will not be easy when it comes to selecting the final team.
“But it gives us a good indication of our strengths leading into the Cup. The squad is balanced at the moment; there are a lot of experienced players who have travelled and competed in 2011 and 2014, mixed with some really young faces that have come through our talent pathway. Regardless, the squad has a good opportunity to develop in the next two weeks and press for final selection.”
50-member squad: 1. Jiuta Vateitei, 2. Isimeli Qiolevu, 3. John Valetiri, 4. Jeffery Pauli, 5. Eroni Kakaivalu, 6. Nemani Qio, 7. Semesa Salavou, 8. Penisoni Tuiova,
9. Sulio Magiti, 10. Isei Moses, 11. Atunaisa Lewanavanua, 12. Josese Rokoli, 13. Leone Maiqereqere, 14. Filipe Valesu, 15. Nimilote Tuiloma, 16. Alipate Navuso, 17. Mesake Koroi, 18. Laisiasa Karuya, 19. Eroni Niumataiwalu, 20. Nemaia Bainimoli Waqa, 21. Alipate Kiti,
22. Lorima Bativoli, 23. Amori Nasautorocake, 24. Nathan Wesley,
25. Josaia Drokanakawai, 26. Roko Waqabaca, 27. Solomoni Navuso,
28. Maciu Raida, 29. Pita Wilson,
30. Kaiyava Davui, 31. Paula Bilitaki, 32. Peni Mateiwai, 33. James Cuvatoka, 34. Solomoni Cati, 35. Jolame Bera, 36. Peni Turagabeci, 37. Adriu Naiyaga, 38. Yabaki Cakautini, 39. Simon Wesley, 40. Brian Naqica, 41. Peni Tuwai, 42. Laisiasa Komainatuvu, 43. Ropate Ravuikadavu, 44. John Simon Rogers, 45. Serupepeli, 46. Samisoni Raikasakasa, 47. Saula Drunavanua, 48. Rapoama Bola, 49. Jone Radua, 50. Edward Mel.