AFL Tonga

Mark Korsten

Mark was posted to Tonga in 2003/4 as part of the ADF's Pacific Patrol Boat Program. Whilst posted to Tonga Mark (and Tim Valente) established TAFA in 2003. Since then Mark has commenced a private consulting business to assist in the development of cooperative maritime security programs in the Pacific - www.pacificoperations.net

W: +61 (0)2 4471 4296

M: +61 (0)411 317 218

E: mark.korsten@tafa.to

Nick Blencowe

Nick was the 2004 TAFA AYAD Development Officer. He has a strong background in fitness training and spent 10 years in the Royal Australian Navy as a Physical Trainer. Nick is currently partners in Consort Fitness at www.consortfitness.com.au. (Richmond supporter, but still a good guy!)

M: +61 (0)413 103 198

E: nick.blencowe@tafa.to

Tim was posted to Tonga in 2003/4 as a senior manager with the ANZ Bank. He is a founding meber with MArk Korsten. Tim has since been employed in several other banking and administration roles and is currently working for Bank West in Adelaide.

(M) +61(0)438 283 726

(E) tim.valente@tafa.to

Ed was our 2005 AYAD. Ed has a background in Accounting and is now travelling in Canada.

Malakai Vakasiuola

Siaosi ‘Enosi Tu’ipulotu

Employment: Events Manager - Tonga Amateur Sports Assoc.

Background: Secondary Schools Education

Business Phone: +676 24661

Mobile Phone: +676 47121

Email 1: tafa@tafa.to

Email 2: tasanoc@kalianet.to

Committee Member

Assistant Coach - National Team

Hiko Fungavaka

Michael Russell

Michael Russell arrived in Tonga in June 2006 to commence a 12-month assignment working at TAFA as an Australian football development officer, under the Australian Youth Ambassador for Development Scheme.

Michael is 22 years old, and was born and raised in Melbourne's western suburbs, where he grew to become a passionate supporter of the Western Bulldogs. Michael played over 100 games of junior footy at the Melton Bloods Junior Football Club in the Riddel District Football League, before playing 2 seasons of seniors at the Bloods in the Ballarat Football League.

In 2006, Michael completed a Bachelor of Arts in Sport Administration at Victoria University in Melbourne. Whilst completing his degree, Michael gained vast experience working in Australian football in both paid and volunteer roles.

Michael has worked at the Western Jets Football Club, the under 16's Victorian Metro Squad, The Western Bulldogs and the International Australian Football Council. Michael also worked at the Sunbury United Rugby League Club, where he was head trainer.

Michael is passionate about the development of Australian football, both in Australia and abroad. He has a particular interest in the Pacific region, where he feels the game has massive scope to grow. He also feels that the native Australian sport can have a positive impact on the development of prospirty of the community in the Pacific region.

In the long term Michael wishes to compete a masters degree in business and work in a senior level position within a sports organization. His other professional interests include player management, law and community development.

Outside of work Michael loves to participate in sport, read, write, snorkel, travel and just about anything else that involves fun.

(M) +676 46384

(E) michael.russell@tafa.to

Lotu Pangi

Lotu is a deadset Champion.

(M) +676 55171

(E) lotu.pangi@tafa.to

Heneli Tonga

Aleki Tuiono

Tavita Tuki Toa