Ilimo Silomea didn’t expect much when he first tried AFL, but the sport quickly became a place where he could be himself, away from the criticism and talk around him.
“Because AFL is not popular here, some people don’t understand it and say things.
“But for those of us playing, it’s something we love and want to keep doing.”
The 17-year-old who is originally from the Solomon Islands, only started playing AFL last year after an unexpected invitation.
“I was walking around Suva with my cousin when we saw a training session at Albert Park,” he said.
“Coach Anthony Healy came over and asked if I wanted to try the sport. I said, why not? There is no harm in trying.”
Within months, Silomea was selected to represent Fiji in the under-17 AFL South Pacific Cup held in Australia, his first time leaving Fiji and boarding a plane.
“That was a crazy experience because I was so scared to the wits about flying,” he said.
Silomea said learning AFL was easier than he expected, partly because of the coaches and teammates around him.
“We communicated well with each other, and knowing the sport became easier to learn,” he said.
Last Saturday, Silomea was among the players who took part in the AFL Fiji U17 final trials at Albert Park.
“I think I did well,” he said. “We got to know each other, and everyone gave their best because we all have the same goal, to earn a spot in the team.”
Now that he has a better understanding of the sport and more experience, Silomea is focused on what lies ahead.
“I want to try my very best and give it my all,” he said.
“Maybe I can get scouted in Australia and maybe get a scholarship.”
