The Gerehu Magpies and the Waigani Tigers are the two teams left out of the start of the Port Moresby Australian Football League (AFL) season proper over weekend, and they may have to merge if they are to participate in this year’s competition.
According to Mr. John Lavu, the Patron and Founder of the Gerehu Magpies, most of their boys have gone to play rugby union, but the remaining ones could be put together and merge with the boys from the Tigers, to form one team.
Mr. Lavu said the Port Moresby AFL Association suggested this so that they can still compete this season.
The President, Mr. Douglas Lai also confirmed this. He said this is one option that the association is looking at to ensure teams are given the chance to compete.
“There is a possibility of merging the two teams, but if that doesn’t take place, we will get the Gerehu Magpies to join the Swans and form the A grade side with a couple of good talents we’ve seen in the Swans boys, and the rest of them can form the Reserve grade side for the Swans team for this year only,” said the president.
“Those are the options we are looking at, but we will try to get the Gerehu Magpies and Waigani Tigers merger going.”
He added that once a merger is confirmed this weekend, the association will have them on the men’s competition starting next week.