The Port Moresby Moni Plus 2024 Australian Football League (AFL) Grand Final matches are all set for tomorrow, and for the Gerehu Magpies senior men’s team, this is their maiden showdown in the competition.
PNG HAUSBUNG had a chat with the Head Coach of the Gerehu Magpies, Mr. Rodney Wasman this week where he shared with us the story of their journey to this level in the city competition.
Mr. Wasman said the Gerehu Magpies AFL Club was established in 2012 in the Port Moresby Premier AFL competition with both the men’s and women’s teams. Since then, they have had their share of hurdles in the competition.
“There have been a lot of challenge we’ve experienced, but it’s exciting this time around,” he said.
“You know, for the first time the club has gone into the grand final. Everyone is so excited to see what the outcome would be like this weekend on Saturday.”
He said overcoming the challenges in the club’s 12-year journey in the competition has led them to this stage in the club’s history and they are looking at making the best of the moment.
“Everyone is looking forward to this weekend especially the players. They’ve worked so hard this season, and they’ve also prepared well again this week for this weekend’s grand final.”
For their loyal fans, Coach Wasman has nothing but appreciation for their undying support through the good times and the down times.
“For all the supporters out there, thank you so much for this season and the past seasons. You’ve come along way with the Gerehu Magpies. It’s a long time coming for Gerehu, so expect to see a good result this weekend.”
The Magpies will meet the Gereka Bombers tomorrow, Saturday 17th August in the Senior Men’s Grand Final. It is the main event of the day and will start at 3 pm in the afternoon.
Meantime, in the Reserve Grade Grand Final, the TSI Lamana Dockers will go head-to-head with the University Tigers at 12 pm.
Both matches will be preceded by the curtain raiser match between the KAK Demons and the Hula Hawks from the Hood Lagoon Challenge Cup from the Central province at 10 am in the morning.