Papua New Guinea's Sevara brothers. Photo: Martin David Sevara
The Sevara family from Port Moresby had three of their young sons playing Australian Rules Football (AFL) at the AFL Under-16 Oceania Cup in Fiji, who helped the Binatangs defeat Nauru Stars 40-27 on Friday.
Brothers Martin and Patrick are proud fathers who believe their children can go a long way in the code as their son's represent the PNG Binatangs in Suva this week.
Martin's son Bernand and Patrick's sons David and Allan have been doing well for the Binatangs.
Martin said they are proud of their sons' achievements especially because they have just started getting into the sport.
"For me as a parent, I'm so proud of the effort they have put in with their training and games this season," he said.
"They only started playing AFL last year playing for Saint Peters Catholic Primary School in the AFL Niu Kick Academy program, and also Gordons Kokofa A Reserve side in the Port Moresby AFL competition, and have already tasted grand finals in both competitions."
Bernand Sevara on the attack against Tonga Thunder in Suva. Photo: Team PNG
Martin said they were a part of the Gordons Kokofas U16 academy side which won the grand final this year and coming out second best in the year's POM AFL A Reserve grand final with the Gordons Kokofa AFL Club.
"The main advice I give to them is to stay focused on what goals they want to achieve as athletes; and also be disciplined in education and also in life,"he said.
The Gordons Kokofas club, which gave rise to PNG AFL star and Gold Coast Suns player Hewago "Ace" Oea, is the inspiration around and behind the Sevara boys as they all live in the same neighborhood as Ace.
Ace was around the same age as the Sevara brothers when he was drafted to the Suns more than a decade ago.
Allan Sevara in Suva. Photo: Team PNG
The PNG Binatangs came through undefeated in their pool to win the grand final today.
While the PNG Kurakums defeated Fiji 33-0 to take out third place in the girls division.
It is the first Australian rules football Oceania Cup tournament since 2019 and features a female division.
Teams from Australia, New Zealand, Tonga and Fiji are in Suva for the event.
Patrick Sevara (left) with sons Allan (second from left) and David (far right) and Martin Sevara's son Bernard. Photo: Supplied