FIJIANS have the speed, size and agility to make an impact in the sport of Aussie Rules.
That's the view of Port Adelaide player Alipate Carlile as he contemplates setting up an Aussie Rules league in the country.
Lautoka born Carlile is in the country to survey and gauge response from stakeholders regarding the establishment of this new sport.
"First of all I'm here with my parents and the rest of the family to visit my grandparents from my mother's side."
Carlile's mother Asenaca hails from Yavu in Batiki.
"At the same time I intend to explore avenues available to help start Aussie Rules in Fiji," Carlile said. "I want to visit some primary schools and talk with them about the sport and maybe later on we can set up a league.
"Fijians are great sports people and with their size, speed and agility can become top Aussie Rules players if they are developed well.
"The only thing that needs to be worked on is their skills level and basic knowledge of the game."
Carlile has been with Port Adelaide for the last two seasons and has been receiving a lot of commendation from his coach's.
A key defender he conceded 11 goals for the season playing on the second or third-best forward each week. The 21-year-old is the obvious choice to fill the void left in defense after the retirement of Darryl Wakelin.
Carlile is the second cousin of Port Adelaide teammate David Rodan, who was also a Rising Star nominee with his previous club Richmond.
Port Adelaide coach Mark Williams said Carlile has been an absolute shining light for the team this season.
"He has come in after just a handful of games last year and basically been a straight replacement for a club legend in Darryl Wakelin," Williams said.
"He is a great story, having been born in Fiji, and coming from country Victoria to us and developing so quickly into a reliable defender that the coaching staff now completely trusts with all the big jobs."
Mother Asenaca said the family was surprised at how quickly Carlile turned out to be a star player for Port Adelaide.
"When he was young he use to play soccer and basketball but later on he showed interest in Aussie Rules," she said.
"We are happy that he has continued to develop his game at Port Adelaide.
"We are also glad that he has shown interest in coming back home to Fiji to help establish the game here."
Carlile said he is optimistic the Port Adelaide team will make a trip to Fiji for a training camp.
Another Fijian player Nicholas Naitanui is making headlines in the sport and is the third draft for top club the Bulldogs.
