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Nauru national Australian rules football team

The Nauru national Australian rules football team, nicknamed the Chiefs, represents Nauru in Australian rules football. Despite its small size and population, Nauru, which is the only country with Australian football as its national sport, consistently ranks among the top eight teams in the world.[2]

Nauru
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s)The Chiefs
Head coachZac Temaki (2017)
Rankings
CurrentSteady 5th (as of October 2022[1])
International Cup
Appearances5 (first in 2002)
Best result5th (2008, 2017)
WebsiteOfficial Website

History

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Further information: Australian rules football in Nauru

Australian rules had been played on Pleasant Island as early as 1916[3][4][5] with regular competition between local teams from 1921. As an Australian trustee, Nauru was the only overseas league recognised and supported by the Australian National Football Council in 1929. By 1954 its popularity had grown such that it became the only football code that children played on the island.[6]

Following Nauru’s independence in 1968[7] and the independence of the Australian territory of Papua New Guinea in 1975, an opportunity presented itself for a Nauruan national team to compete. The nation's first internationals occurred when the team toured Papua New Guinea a year later in 1976. Among the better players in the squad were Royong Itsimaera, Ali Iwagia, Johaness Itsimaera, Richardo Solomon, Vinson Detenamo, Manfred Depaune and Pres Nimes. Papua New Guinea went on to win the match by 129 points.[8]

Until sometime after 1999, the team went by the nickname the Frigatebirds.[9] In 2000, Nauru travelled to Queensland to compete in the inaugural Web Sports Cup. The side played against a team from Samoa and the Robina Roos of the AFL Queensland. Nauru won both matches. The team returned to Australia for the competition again the following year, this time defeating another two teams, including the Gold Coast Old Boys.[10]

In November 2012 Nauru travelled to Suva to take on Fiji in a three-match test series. Nauru won the first two matches by a combined 140 points.[11][12][13] The team re-asserted its dominance in the final match, securing the sweep with a 103 to 31 win.[14] This test series was the first official AFL international ever held outside of Australia.[15]

Players

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Despite the sport's popularity and the national team's success, as of 2017 no Nauruan international has played in the Australian Football League.[16] However, in 2008 seventeen Nauruan players competed in the Victorian Football League in preparation for the 2008 Australian Football International Cup.[17] In 2012 Yoshi Harris played a few matches for Greater Western Sydney Giants's reserve squad and in the AFL Sydney.[18] Though shorter in stature than the average AFL player, Nauruans are fast and athletic. Not a single player in the 2008 International Cup squad was over 183cm. Because of this height, the Nauruan style is to play close to the ground and is suited to playing in wet conditions.[19]

Stadium

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View of the Linkbelt Oval in 2012. Phosphate processing facilities can be seen in the background.
See also: New Nauru Stadium

As the only Australian rules ground on Nauru, the Linkbelt Oval in the Aiwo District is home to the sport on the island. However, because the pitch surface is rock and phosphate dust, and markings are drawn on the rock with oil rather than paint or chalk, the ground does not meet standards for international matches.[16] [20] In April 2024, the Australian Defence Force visited the island and were surprised by the playing surface. At that time, the government of Australia was attempting to build Nauru a second field with a grass surface through Australian Aid so the country could host other national teams and international competition. Other clubs and nations would not travel to Nauru previously because of the oval's surface.[21][22]

International competition

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International Cup

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Main article: Australian Football International Cup

Nauru has participated in the Australian Football International Cup since the inaugural tournament in 2002.[23] They have gone on to compete in every edition of the tournament, aside from 2005 when the team had to withdraw because of financial difficulties shortly before the games started.[24]

International Cup results
Year Finish P W-L-D PF PA
2002[25] 8/11 6 1-5-0 269 247
2005[26] Withdrew
2008[27] 5/16 5 4-1-0 387 166
2011[28] 6/18 6 4-2-0 312 238
2014[29] 7/18 5 4-1-0 419 170
2017[30] 5/18 5 4-1-0 232 235

Arafura Games

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Main article: Arafura Games

Nauru competed in the 1995 Arafura Games in Darwin, the first edition of the tournament to feature national teams. That year they were coached by former Geelong Football Club player Mark Yeates. Nauru went on to win the bronze medal that year. The Chiefs went on to win the tournament in 2001, defeating the Northern Territory Eagles in the final. The team did not compete in 1997 or 1999 despite national teams competing in the sport at those games.[31][10]

Arafura Games results
Year Finish P W-L-D PF PA
1995[32] 3/5 5 2-3-0 233 236
1997[33] Did Not Enter
1999[34] Did Not Enter
2001[35] 1/4 3 3-0-0 307 81

Matches

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Date Opposition For Against Venue Winner Status Ref.
11 October 1976 Papua New Guinea   Sir Hubert Murray Stadium, Port Moresby Papua New Guinea Friendly [8]
1995 New Zealand   19 54 Marrara Oval, Darwin, Australia New Zealand 1995 Arafura Games
[32]
1995 Japan/Singapore    35 41 Marrara Oval, Darwin, Australia Japan/Singapore 1995 Arafura Games
1995 Papua New Guinea   30 52 Marrara Oval, Darwin, Australia Papua New Guinea 1995 Arafura Games
1995 Hong Kong   65 30 Marrara Oval, Darwin, Australia Nauru 1995 Arafura Games
1995 Japan/Singapore    84 59 Marrara Oval, Darwin, Australia Nauru 1995 Arafura Games (Bronze)
2001 Japan   142 9 Marrara Oval, Darwin, Australia Nauru 2001 Arafura Games
[35]
2001 Northern Territory Superules   74 37 Marrara Oval, Darwin, Australia Nauru 2001 Arafura Games
2001 Northern Territory Eagles   91 35 Marrara Oval, Darwin, Australia Nauru 2001 Arafura Games (Gold)
14 August 2002 Japan   119 14 Warrawee Park, Oakleigh, Australia Nauru 2002 International Cup
[25]
15 August 2002 Great Britain   59 65 Elsternwick Park, Elsternwick, Australia Great Britain 2002 International Cup
16 August 2002 Denmark   27 40 Whitten Oval, Melbourne, Australia Denmark 2002 International Cup
21 August 2002 Papua New Guinea   44 91 Trevor Barker Oval, Sandringham, Australia Papua New Guinea 2002 International Cup
23 August 2002 Samoa   20 37 Victoria Park, Melbourne, Australia Samoa 2002 International Cup (7/8)
27 August 2008 Papua New Guinea   20 69 Ransford Oval, Melbourne, Australia Papua New Guinea 2008 International Cup
[27]
29 August 2008 Great Britain   65 18 Western Oval, Melbourne, Australia Nauru 2008 International Cup
1 September 2008 Peres Team for Peace    177 7 Walter Oval, Warrnambool, Australia Nauru 2008 International Cup
3 September 2008 United States   45 23 Walter Oval, Warrnambool, Australia Nauru 2008 International Cup
5 September 2008 Canada   80 49 Ransford Oval, Melbourne, Australia Nauru 2008 International Cup (5/6)
13 August 2011 Japan   42 19 Blacktown International Sportspark, Sydney, Australia Nauru 2011 International Cup
[28]
13 August 2011 Fiji   42 15 Blacktown International Sportspark, Sydney, Australia Nauru 2011 International Cup
15 August 2011 Tonga   61 35 Blacktown International Sportspark, Sydney, Australia Nauru 2011 International Cup
20 August 2011 Papua New Guinea   27 110 Blacktown International Sportspark, Sydney, Australia Papua New Guinea 2011 International Cup
24 August 2011 Denmark   94 7 Ransford Oval, Melbourne, Australia Nauru 2011 International Cup
26 August 2011 South Africa   46 52 McAllister Oval, Melbourne, Australia South Africa 2011 International Cup (5/6)
16 November 2012 Fiji   147 47 Albert Park, Suva, Fiji Nauru Test series
[12][14]
20 November 2012 Fiji   75 35 Albert Park, Suva, Fiji Nauru Test series
23 November 2012 Fiji   103 31 Albert Park, Suva, Fiji Nauru Test series
10 August 2014 Indonesia   227 7 McAllister Oval, Melbourne, Australia Nauru 2014 International Cup
[29]
13 August 2014 Great Britain   50 29 Ransford Oval, Melbourne, Australia Nauru 2014 International Cup
16 August 2014 Ireland   39 66 Ransford Oval, Melbourne, Australia Republic of Ireland 2014 International Cup
19 August 2014 Great Britain   49 33 McAlister Oval, Melbourne, Australia Nauru 2014 International Cup
22 August 2014 United States   54 35 McAlister Oval, Melbourne, Australia Nauru 2014 International Cup (7/8)
6 August 2017 New Zealand   34 81 Ransford Oval, Melbourne, Australia New Zealand 2017 International Cup
[30]
9 August 2017 Papua New Guinea   35 84 Marty Busch Recreation Reserve, Sebastopol, Australia Papua New Guinea 2017 International Cup
12 August 2017 France   106 14 Victoria Oval, Kew, Australia Nauru 2017 International Cup
15 August 2017 Canada   56 24 Ransford Oval, Melbourne, Australia Nauru 2017 International Cup
18 August 2017 Great Britain   53 32 McAlister Oval, Melbourne, Australia Nauru 2017 International Cup (5/6)

Squads

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2002 IC

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  • Coach: Gonzaga Namaduk
  • Players: Alfred Spanner, Quinson Cook, Devin Grundler, Jericho Detenamo, Ramaraka Detenamo, Ken Blake, Javin Agir, Rudeen Spanner, Robert Timothy, Linko Jeremiah, Enoch Canon, Joel Joram, Aaron Canon, Paner Baguga, Merlin Talcka, Jaxon Jeremiah, Spencer Tannang, Brian Hiram, George Gioura, Jesse Uepa, Junior Dowiyogo, Raynor Tom, Vaiuli Amoc, Carlson Hartman, Paul Hartman, Xavier Namaduk, Cidro Namaduk, Slim Notte, Bayonet Aliklik, Syd Namaduk, Anthony Hiram[23]

2008 IC

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  • Coach: Manfred Depaune
  • Players: Trent Depaune, Priven Dame, Mallinson Batsiua, Agir Amwano, Rudin Spanner, Timothy Teabuge, Deamo Baguga, Clint Engar, Vili-Kesa Jeremiah, Torio Mwareow, George Quadina, Otto Adam, German Grundler, Brendan Waidabu, Ronpade Cook, Johnny Dagiaro, Neil Scotty, Rennier Gadabu, Nash Starr, David Dagiaro, Tiana Waidabu, Shadrach Notte, Pesky Agir, Adolph Muasau, Aronson Eobob, Derrick Seymour[36]

2011 IC

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  • Coach: Graham Pratt
  • Assistant Coach: Wes Illig
  • Players: Snuka Adire, Derio Namaduk, Febriano Baguga, Jude Cook, Otto Adam, Deiri Cook, Yoshi Harris, Kingston Ika, Maska Hubert, Maverick Batsiua, Johnny Dagiaro, Donatello Moses, Reason Satto, Trent Depaune, Nash Starr, Timothy Teabuge, Ralph Teimitsi, Mallinson Batsiua, Zac Temaki, Jose Uepa, Brendan Waidabu, Tiana Waidabu, Kabureta Dannang, Robroy Grundler, Kamtaura Kamtaura, Robby Deireregea[37]

2014 IC

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  • Coach: Paner Baguga
  • Players: Otto Adam, Snuka Adire, Lennox Agege, Jonas Amwano, Mallinson Battsiua, Maverick Battsiua, Kazaam Baui, Ronpade Cook, Charles Dagiaro, Johnny Dagiaro, Pilo Dagiaro, Aykers Daniel, Trent Depaune, Marcus Paul Detenamo, Hess Tekai Fiolape, DJ Grundler, German Grundler, Yoshi Harris, Mikey Hiram, Kingston Ika, Tipung Kamtaura, Donatello Moses, Dave Mwaredaga, Kenneth Oppenheimer, Timothy Teabuge, Zac Temaki, Jose Uepa, Greigor Uera, Tiana Waidabu[38]

2017 IC

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  • Coach: Zac Temaki
  • Players: Bronco Deidenang, Yoshi Harris, Kenneth Oppenheimer, Aykers Daniel, Joeson Kanimea, Trent Depaune, Tipung Kamtaura, Donatello Moses, Jencke Jeremiah, Richmond Spanner, Mikey Hiram, Mallinson Batsiua, Darnel Diema, Patrick Agadio, Dave Mwaredaga, Agir Nenabo Amwano, Kais Tatum, German Grundler, Tiana Waidubu, Charles Dagiaro, Jose TripleJ-Jems Uepa, David Japheth Adeang, Jeremiah Gil Kam, Devine Agir, Teolime Kamtaura, Tama Jeremiah, Niga Haulangi, Shawnkemp Maaki, Ishmael Fritz, Mick Vorbach[39]

Youth sides

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AFL Nauru also organizes youth sides, nicknamed the Stars.[40] At the under-16 level the nation has experienced much success, including Oceania Cup championships in 2013, 2015,[41] 2016,[42] and 2019;[43] and multiple second-place finishes;[44] and appearances in the Barassi International Australian Football Youth Tournament.[45]

Oceania Cup

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Main article: Oceania Cup (Australian rules football)
Key

  Champion   Runners-up   3rd Place

Oceania Cup results
Year Finish
  2009[46] 2nd
  2010[47] 4th
  2011[48] 2nd
  2012[49] 2nd
  2013[50] 1st
  2014[51] 2nd
  2015[41] 1st
  2016[42] 1st
  2017[52] 2nd
  2018[53] 2nd
  2019[43] 1st
  2023[54] 2nd
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  •  
    The Chiefs quarter time huddle at the 2008 International Cup
  •  
    Aronson Eobob leaps high over Canada's Emmanuel Mattata in the ruck in 2008.
  •  
    George Quadina kicks for goal against Canada in 2008.
  •  
    British Bulldog manages to get a kick away despite being tackled by a Nauruan opponent during the 2008 Australian Football International Cup.
  •  
    Nauruan player kicks a goal from long range against Canada during the 2008 Australian Football International Cup
  •  
    Nauruan player kicks the ball downfield
  •  
    Yoshi Harris kicks for goal during the 2008 Australian Football International Cup
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    Nauru and Canada contest the ball at ground level at the 2008 Australian Football International Cup.

References

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  1. ^ "World Footy News World Rankings post 2022 European Championships - World Footy News".
  2. ^ "AFL Nauru". AFL Queensland. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  3. ^ Sydney Mail 5 Feb 1919 Page 17 AMONG THE NATIVES OF THE PACIFIC ISLANDS.
  4. ^ FOOTBALL ACTIVITIES The Herald 19 Feb 1925 Page 3
  5. ^ Sporting Globe 10 Oct 1925 Page 6 Australians in Nauru
  6. ^ "GEELONG FOSTER GAME AT NAURU". The Herald. No. 23, 984. Victoria, Australia. 9 April 1954. p. 17. Retrieved 23 November 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  7. ^ Davidson, JW (January 1968). "The Republic of Nauru". The Journal of Pacific History. 3 (1): 145–150. doi:10.1080/00223346808572131.
  8. ^ a b "It's PNG by 129 points". Papua New Guinea Post-courier. International, Australia. 21 September 1976. p. 22. Retrieved 23 November 2021 – via National Library of Australia.
  9. ^ Clarke, Brian. "Nauru". travelblog.org. Retrieved 28 August 2022.
  10. ^ a b "Nauru Chiefs". Archived from the original on 22 March 2012. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  11. ^ Ratuva, Anasilini. "Fiji Tribe Improve". Fiji Sun. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
  12. ^ a b Christiansen, Michael. "Fiji vs Nauru - Match 1 of 3". worldfootynews.com. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
  13. ^ "Sport: Fiji see plenty of benefits from AFL test series". Radio New Zealand. 23 November 2012. Retrieved 28 August 2022.
  14. ^ a b Christiansen, Michael. "Fiji v Nauru Match 3 of 3". worldfootynews.com. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
  15. ^ McDonald, Eleina. "AFL Fiji improve against Nauru". FBC News. Retrieved 28 August 2022.
  16. ^ a b Kearney, Aaron. "Nauru's football fanaticism fires AFL aspirations". Australian Broadcast Corporation. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  17. ^ "Nauru Chiefs are Stawell's gift". Archived from the original on 30 July 2008. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
  18. ^ Shaibani, Frederick. "Footy Around the World: Naura". worldfootynews.com. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  19. ^ Roffey, Chelsea. "Team profile: Nauru Chiefs". Archived from the original on 25 January 2009. Retrieved 28 August 2022.
  20. ^ Wingard, Ant. ""It's pretty much indescribable": Webb's opportunity of a lifetime". AFL Queensland. Retrieved 28 August 2022.
  21. ^ Tora, Iliesa. "Nauru AFL hopes for a grass field". Radio New Zealand. Retrieved 11 September 2024.
  22. ^ "ADF helps grow footy in Nauru". Australian Government. Retrieved 11 September 2024.
  23. ^ a b "International Cup 2002 AFL Souvenir Program - Player Lists". worldfootynews.com. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  24. ^ King, Stacey. "Nauru Chiefs are naturals at footy". Banaban Voice. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
  25. ^ a b Northey, Brett. "International Cup 2002 in Review". worldfootynews.com. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  26. ^ "IC 2005 Fixture - released after Denmark and Nauru withdrawal". worldfootynews.com. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  27. ^ a b "2008 International Cup Fixture and Results". Australian Football Association of North America. 17 July 2008. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  28. ^ a b "2011 AFL International Cup - Scores and Ladders Links". worldfootynews.com. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  29. ^ a b "2014 AFL International Cup - Results and Ladders". worldfootynews.com. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  30. ^ a b "2017 AFL International Cup - Results and Ladders". worldfootynews.com. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  31. ^ "ARAFURA GAMES". aflinternational.com. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  32. ^ a b "1995 Arafura Games - Aussie Rules International - Promoting Australian Football Around the World". Archived from the original on 6 January 2009. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
  33. ^ "1997 Arafura Games - Aussie Rules International - Promoting Australian Football Around the World". Archived from the original on 6 January 2009. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
  34. ^ "1999 Arafura Games - Aussie Rules International - Promoting Australian Football Around the World". Archived from the original on 4 June 2009. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
  35. ^ a b "2001 Arafura Games - Aussie Rules International - Promoting Australian Football Around the World". Archived from the original on 26 September 2011. Retrieved 24 August 2011.
  36. ^ Northey, Brett. "Youth and in-country experience to lead Chiefs". worldfootynews.com. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  37. ^ Northey, Brett. "IC11 Squad - Our Airline Chiefs would be kings". worldfootynews.com. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  38. ^ Thompson, Troy. "IC14 Preview: Nauru Chiefs look towards top tier". worldfootynews.com. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  39. ^ Thompson, Troy. "IC17 Preview: Nauru Chiefs". worldfootynews.com. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  40. ^ "Oceania Cup Preview and Teams". AFL Queensland. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
  41. ^ a b Mannan, Justine. "Nauru Champs In 2015". Fiji Sun. Retrieved 27 August 2022.
  42. ^ a b Christiansen, Michael. "2016 AFL Oceania Cup Grand Final Day". worldfootynews.com. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
  43. ^ a b "NAURU Stars WIN 2019 Oceania Cup". AFL Nauru. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
  44. ^ "Fiji wins 2014 AFL Oceania Cup". Australian Football League. 6 January 2015. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  45. ^ "Barassi Youth Tournament '08 Calls For More Teams". Scoop World. Retrieved 26 August 2022.
  46. ^ Northey, Brett. "Tonga the champions in rollercoaster day". worldfootynews.com. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
  47. ^ "PNG win Oceania Cup". Radio New Zealand. 21 December 2010. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
  48. ^ Ratuva, Anasilini. "Kiwis Win Oceania Cup". The Fiji Sun. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
  49. ^ Christiansen, Michael. "2012 AFL Oceania Cup results - Fiji come out on top". worldfootynews.com. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
  50. ^ Christiansen, Michael. "AFL Oceania Cup 2013 - Nauru claim the title". worldfootynews.com. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
  51. ^ Christiansen, Michael. "Fiji take out 2014 AFL Oceania Youth Cup". worldfootynews.com. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
  52. ^ Shaibani, Frederick. "Fiji Tribe take home Oceania Cup". worldfootynews.com. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
  53. ^ Narayan, Grace. "Fijian Tribe Defends Oceania Cup". The Fiji Sun. Retrieved 31 August 2022.
  54. ^ "PNG Wins Oceania Title". The National. Retrieved 11 February 2024.
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See also

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See also: Australian rules football in Nauru
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