9 Aug 2014

Sport: Countries converge on Melbourne for AFL International Cup

9:52 am on 9 August 2014

The AFL International Cup returns to Melbourne on Sunday with a healthy Pacific presence.

18 men's teams will go head to head while seven teams will contest an expanded women's competition.

The Papua New Guinea Mosquitoes won the International Cup in 2008 and will be looking to avenge their grand final defeat to Ireland three years ago.

The Nauru Chiefs finished in sixth place at the last event and coach Paner Baguga has has high expectations for his experienced squad, with just five new faces among the 34 players.

The Fiji men are seeking improvement after claiming the division two title three years ago and, along with Tonga have also entered a team in the women's competition.

Adding to the global flavour of the event, the Indonesia and Pakistan men make their Cup debut while Ireland and Canada have entered two teams in the women's draw.