DAVID Rodan, one of three Fijians playing in the Australian Football League (AFL) is in the country to promote the game.
Rodan, 25, plays top grade footie for Port Adelaide Power and believes the sport has great potential in Fiji.
"For years, we have seen the natural capability of Fijian people.
"They have the speed, agility, strength and height. Basically they have all the attributes needed to play AFL at highest level."
Rodan said the benefits were huge if local players were drafted by AFL clubs.
"Players are given university scholarships so they have something to fall back on once they're done playing. There is opportunity to get jobs and help from club sponsors as well."
Rodan is here with his partner Carla Di Pasquale, who is helping him spread the AFL gospel in schools.
"We will visit schools and targeting Form Three students because AFL is sponsoring a carnival in Suva on October 19 where seven schools will participate in a round robin tournament.
"AFL will be launched in Fiji on October 16. A committee will be set up to look after the sport.
"We will choose 30 players to represent Fiji at the Pacific/Oceania Youth Cup tournament to be held in Fiji in December.
"We will working with co-ordinators and teach them about the game so they can visit schools.
Teams from Tonga, Nauru, New Zealand, Samoa and Vanuatu would also take part.
Other Fijians playing in the AFL include Alipate Carlile (Adelaide Ports) and
Nicolas Naitanui (West Coast Eagles).
Rodan departs on Saturday.
