Australian rules was introduced to Samoan schools in 1997.[2]
In 2000 the Australian Defence Force (ADF) toured Samoa and played the first international against a national Samoan schoolboys side winning 20.22 (142) to 2.3 (15).[2] The ADF conducted numerous clinics in the country with the aim of assisting Samoa to participate in the inaugural International Cup in 2002.
In early years, the game was typically played under derived rules known as 'Samoa Rules' and on rugby fields.[3]
Australian football competition went into recess in 2006 following the 2005 Australian Football International Cup. In 2007 the AFL Samoa's programs were reinvigorated under new development officer in Michael Roberts, mainly focussing on junior and schoolboys' development.
There is a full-time development officer[4] funded by AusAid, a junior development program and a schoolboy's tournament.[5][6]
The national team, which first competed at the Arafura Games was originally known as the Bulldogs, the name being chosen as the AFL's Western Bulldogs wore the Samoan national colours and has sent some professional players to visit the islands on clinics. The team was later renamed the 'Kangaroos', after forging ties with the North Melbourne Football Club.
Participation
In 2004, Samoa had a total of 246 players including 80 senior players in 4 teams consisting of over 80 players and 166 juniors in six school sides.[7]
According to the 2007 AFL International Census, these figures have not changed.[8]
Over 5000 primary school children have experienced a 6-week plus program in 2007 with programs designed for each sector of primary school children developing skills from fundamental motor skills, body awareness activities and game specific skills.[citation needed]
The programs in primary schools year levels are titled 'Reach for the stars'(K-2), Kicking Goals (3-5), Let them Fly (6-8).
Samoa Rules is a game derived from Australian rules football that has also been played in Samoa. The game is played on rugby fields and each team consists of 15 players per side.
Unlike Australian rules football, player movement is restricted to zones (similarly to Rec Footy). There is a line across the centre that backs and forwards can not cross. Onballers are allowed to go anywhere.
The Vailima Six-Shooters' Championship began in Samoa in 1998 under these rules, becoming known as Samoa Rules. A number of Samoa Rules players went on to represent Samoa in the Samoan national Australian rules football team, known originally as the Bulldogs and since 2008 as the "Kangaroos".
