Ben Collins writes exclusively for AFL Asia tracking the progress of the Asian 5 at the IC14.
Today, he writes about the official launch of IC14.
The 2014 AFL International Cup was officially launched at Federation Square on Saturday.
Flags from each of the competing nations were presented and a representative from each team appeared on stage.
The competing teams then took part in a parade of nations at the MCG before the Hawthorn – Melbourne game.
The two-week tournament will consist of 18 men’s teams and seven women’s teams from 18 countries competing against each other.
There are five Asian teams taking part in the carnival, with Pakistan and Indonesia debuting at the International Cup.
The men’s teams are Canada, China, Fiji, Finland, France, Indonesia, Ireland, Great Britain, India, Japan, Nauru, New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, South Africa, Sweden, Tonga and the USA.
The women’s teams are Canada – Northern Lights, Canada – Midnight Suns, Ireland, Fiji, Tonga, USA – Freedom and USA – Liberty.
The men’s Grand Final will be the curtain raiser to the round 22 AFL match between Hawthorn and Geelong (on August 23) at the MCG.
