The innovative program, which is its second year, has already seen the Bulldogs sign two young players to international scholarships in 2008. Solomoni Loki has already travelled to Melbourne to train with the Bulldogs, while Inoke Ratu has been unable to come to Australia despite his scholarship.
“Solomoni came out earlier in the year but Inoke still has Visa problems, which continues to be an ongoing issue at Government level. At the moment nothing has changed but we are hoping sometime next year he will be able to come out,” Recruiting Manager Simon Dalrymple said.
The five day trip will see the travelling party conduct testing in Suva, which will be similar to what young Australian players are put through during Draft Camp. Key areas which are tested are speed, agility, vertical leap and ball skills.
Following this the group will travel to Nandi to conduct AFL school clinics.
Simon Dalrymple says the Program has a couple of important purposes and with a compromised drafting landscape over the next few years, it is necessary for clubs to exhaust all avenues for talent identification.
“There are two objectives, number one is to touch base with our existing scholarship holders to review where they are at. The Second point is to explore the potential of any other athletes who fit the criteria that we are looking for,” he said.
The Program was inspired by the unique athletic ability of West Coast Eagles 2008 Number 2 Draft Pick Nic Naitanui, the Bulldogs are hoping to unearth players with power, speed and agility during their stay.
