Shore Tigers play international AFL

North Shore Australian Football League (AFL) players are representing New Zealand on an international scale.

Three members of the North Shore Tigers AFL team were part of the New Zealand squad who flew to Melbourne for the AFL International Cup.

Narrowly missing out on the cup by one point against Papua New Guinea, team member Andriu Sucu said having a national side in AFL is something that is very important to the club and its members.

‘‘To represent New Zealand in anything is a great achievement, but when it is something that you have a passion for and you give up so much of your time and lives too, it is an awesome reward.’’

Field and goal kicking with precision with an oval-shaped ball is the key to the game, which is growing in Auckland by the year.

Sucu said he’s excited to see what the future holds for the Australian Football League in New Zealand.

‘‘The introduction of female under-17 comp this year which coincides with the first year of the women’s AFL will create some real opportunities for girls wanting to get involved in the sport.

‘‘I’m sure we will see a number of New Zealand born and raised players taking the field in the AFL in the next five years and hopefully that includes a few of the females in the AFL Women’s competition.’’

Barry Rogers from the North Shore Tigers committee said the team has a proud history of the players representing New Zealand on the international stage.

‘‘The North Shore Tigers club has always pushed for players to achieve at the highest level, locally and internationally.

‘‘The experience that they gain from representative participation is invaluable in helping grow our team culture, and to win the Auckland AFL premiership, which is the ultimate for all players to achieve.

‘‘Any representative football is always a step up from local competition and can only help grow players’ skills and knowledge of the game.’’

Round one of the Auckland Australian Football League started on September 3 with North Shore Tigers defeating Mount Roskill Saints 9.10.64 to 5.3.33.

The Tigers play Waitakere Magpies in round two.

Brandon Sucu, Adam Simpson, Josh Cunliffe, Te Kopa Tipene-Tomas, Jackson Clince, Ty Smith and Andriu Sucu represented New Zealand at the International Cup.