After 10 days of vibrant colour, rich culture, and thrilling competition, the 2024 Pacific Cup on the Sunshine Coast has come to a spectacular conclusion, showcasing some of the best international Australian rules football.
PNG dominates in the Open Men’s Division
Papua New Guinea (PNG) proved too strong in the Open Men’s Division, claiming the championship with a dominant 10.2 (62) to 2.7 (19) victory over Nauru. PNG’s Rex Peregua, who earned Best on Ground votes in every match of the tournament, was awarded the Best on Ground Medal for his exceptional performance.
Nauru triumphs in the Open Women’s Division
In the Open Women’s Division, Nauru edged out New Zealand in a hard-fought contest. Nauru’s late surge in the second half, including some crucial goals, saw them take the win 5.1 (31) to 3.3 (21). Dynamic midfielder Vanilla Ika was named Best on Ground for her outstanding contribution to the team’s success. It was the first time Nauru and New Zealand had put together a senior female team in international competition.
A celebration of Pacific Football
Held at the Maroochydore Multisports Complex, the 2024 Pacific Cup brought together over 500 participants and officials to celebrate both the sport and the vibrant culture that is thriving across the Pacific. Australian Rules football continues to grow in the region, last year alone, more than 100,000 people from the Pacific participated in organised programs within their own countries, driven by their AFL affiliates. Excitingly, 45% were female.
The 10 days culminated in a shared feast of flavours and the naming of the prestigious Teams of the Pacific.
2024 Women’s Team of the Pacific
1. Vanilla Ika (Nauru)
2. Febulous Kanth (Nauru)
3. Osanna Scotty (Nauru)
4. Yoshika Cook (Nauru)
5. Naomi Akua (Nauru)
6. Julius Baguga (Nauru)
7. Keila Temaki (Nauru)
8. Jolyn Collins (New Zealand)
9. Olivia Waldron (New Zealand)
10. Demi Salton (New Zealand)
11. June Manning (New Zealand)
12. Axel Oswald (New Zealand)
13. Kate Turnbull (New Zealand)
14. Verinica Kavanamur (PNG)
15. Valerie Mai (PNG)
16. Isabelle Grant (PNG)
17. Tyra Tavil (PNG)
18. Monica Tindipu (PNG)
19. Lillani Fine (Tonga)
20. Salome Holika (Tonga)
21. Emeline Toto (Tonga)
22. Litea Aloua (Tonga)
Coach: Zac Temaki (Nauru)
2024 Men’s Team of the Pacific
1. Rex Peregua (PNG)
2. Glen Saniong (PNG)
3. Jachoniah Pani (PNG)
4. Jeffery Namete (PNG)
5. Ezekiel Iga (PNG)
6. David Sevara (PNG)
7. Jason Logi (PNG)
8. Laurie Logo (PNG)
9. Jeremiah Ben (PNG)
10. Jose Uepa (Nauru)
11. Artado Temaki (Nauru)
12. Kaison Tatum (Nauru)
13. Yoshi Harris (Nauru)
14. Teolime Kamtaura (Nauru)
15. Lastman Kamtaura (Nauru)
16. Xavier Rice (New Zealand)
17. Lachie McBride (New Zealand)
18. Misilifi Faimalo (New Zealand)
19. Josh Mackie (New Zealand)
20. Sean Butler (New Zealand)
21. Jekesoni Koroi (Fiji)
22. William Dyer (Fiji)
23. Nemani Qio (Fiji)
24. Josefa Saratibau (Fiji)
Coach: Douglas Lai (PNG)
Leading Goalkickers and Best and Fairest
The leading goalkicker in the men’s division was seventeen year old David Sevara from PNG, who scored 16 goals throughout the tournament, including six in the grand final. In the women’s division, New Zealand’s Kate Turnbull led the way with five goals, including two in the grand final.
The Best and Fairest awards of the competition were also announced, Liv Waldron (New Zealand) was named Best and Fairest in the women’s division with Rex Peregua (PNG) taking the honours in the men’s competition to cap off an incredible week.
Last weekend, in the Under 17 divisions, Nauru claimed the male title while Papua New Guinea won the female trophy.
About the 2024 AFL Pacific Cup
The AFL Pacific Cup is supported by the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland's Major Event Program, and the Sunshine Coast Council, who have partnered with the AFL and thrown their support behind the event. The AFL also thanks all participating nations Governments for their support.
Participating nations:
• Fiji (Open Male, U17 Male, U17 Female)
• Nauru (Open Male, Open Female, U17 Male, U17 Female)
• New Zealand (Open Male, Open Female)
• Papua New Guinea (Open Male, Open Female, U17 Male, U17 Female)
• Tonga (Open Male, Open Female, U17 Male, U17 Female)
• South Africa (U17 Male)