Australian Football League Fiji Talent Academy manager Loata Vakausausa has announced that a record number of young Fijian athletes are preparing for significant exposure opportunities, with preparations underway for both regional and international commitments. This year, a total of 12 players—seven girls and five boys—have been selected from the Oceania Cup held in December, marking a notable increase from previous years when Fiji only sent four athletes.
The selected players will participate in the AFL Talent Academy Camp, where they will compete against elite teams from the Brisbane Lions Academy and Brisbane Suns Academy. Vakausausa emphasized the importance of this experience, stating, “This is a big step for our kids, knowing they’ll be playing against academies linked to two of the strongest AFL clubs in Australia. It’s about exposure and giving them a real taste of the level they need to reach.”
The girls’ squad is set to depart on March 16 for a week-long camp, while the boys will travel on March 11. Although the camp serves as a standalone event, it aligns with Fiji’s broader development strategy, leading towards later tournaments, including the Pacific Cup in September. Training efforts are being conducted not only in Suva but also in the West, with specific sessions for four players based in Lautoka.
Vakausausa noted that customized training plans are in place to ensure consistency across regions. For example, a coach has been assigned to guide the Western players, and personalized training programs have been developed for players, such as a boy from Vanualevu, ensuring he remains on track in preparation for the upcoming tournament.
The Academy has also taken a long-term developmental approach, integrating younger athletes—some as young as 12 and 13—into higher-level programs. One standout is 13-year-old Sherry, a Class Eight student who has already gained valuable experience with the Fiji team in the Oceania Cup. Vakausausa explained, “We’re grooming these kids early so that by the time they reach the actual age-grade level for the Oceania Cup and Pacific Cup, they’re already mature in the sport.”
This strategy has proven effective, with Fiji’s girls emerging as back-to-back Oceania Cup champions, boosting confidence in the Academy’s development model. “For us, this approach is working. We’re seeing the growth, the confidence, and most importantly, the results,” Vakausausa expressed.
With international opportunities approaching and a robust pipeline of emerging talent, AFL Fiji is poised to continue its momentum, preparing the next generation to compete at the highest levels within the region.
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