Nickname(s) The Northwind Union AFL Canada | Location Canada | |
 | ||
The Northwind is Canada's national Australian rules football team that represents the clubs and teams of AFL Canada.
Contents
Northwind players are selected from the best Canadian-born players from the club teams across Canada.
The team plays in international tournaments, including the Australian Football International Cup and the 49th Parallel Cup.
Identity
The Northwind's guernsey has the Maple leaf, the floral emblem of Canada, in the national colours of red and white.
History
The team formed to participate in the Australian Football International Cup in 2002 (finishing 9th) 2005 (finishing 7th) and 2008 (finishing 6th) as well as exhibition matches against other countries.
Between 1993–1995, the Northwind were undefeated in tests against the British Australian Rules Football League.
Notable players
Stefan Leyhane, Northwind's Captain (2003–2009) was also the only Canadian recipient of the 2002 International All Star Team.
Northwind's best and fairest player (from the 2005 International Cup) was Paul Loughnane.
Northwind's best and fairest player from the 2008 International Cup was Aaron "Azza" Falcioni.
Northwind had two players named to the 2008 World Team: Emanuel Matata at Ruckman, and Scott Fleming at Forward.
Northwind had one player named to the 2011 World Team: Steve Rutledge.
Northwind had two players named to the 2014 World Team: Nathan Strom and Neil Casey.