Australian rules football in Africa is most organised in South Africa, although there are programs under development in many African nations including Botswana, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya and Zimbabwe and there are plans to introduce the sport into more African countries.
Immigration to Australia saw a rise in the number of Africans playing in the Australian Football League, among the first were African-Americans like Tom Banks and South Africans including Aubrey MacKenzie and Damien Cupido.
Kevin Sheedy predicted an African future for the AFL when he recruited Ethiopian Goaner Tutlan in 2004. The success of Majak Daw saw a rise in the popularity of AFL among South Sudanese migrants[1] which have attracted the attention of AFL recruiters in search for the combination of height and athleticism.[2] An increasing number of players descended from the Indigenous peoples of Africa have played professionally in the Australian Football League, holding African Australian identity. Tall Sudanese players are now sought by AFL recruiters to fill key positions including the ruck.[3]
- ^ Daw-inspiring feats bring Sudan into the heart of Aussie sport The Australian 20 Apr 2013
- ^ Neil Cordy for Code Sports 24 October 2022
- ^ ‘I’ve only been here four years and I’m better than you!’ How South Sudanese players are enriching the AFL By Greg Baum 28 May 2022