Recently and historically, Andrew Howison has been an inspirational player and captain for New Zealand.
Leading from the front, Howison starred in all five games at the 2017 International Cup and was rewarded with being named the Captain of the World side. The selection was made through umpire votes, official team votes and the views of the AFL International Cup Selection Panel and was announced at the 2017 International Cup Gala Dinner held at the Crown Palladium. This was his second inclusion into the World Team after his first selection in 2014.
Along with Ireland through their roots of Gaelic football and Papua New Guinea with their close proximity to Queensland, the New Zealand side entered the tournament firmly in the mix of favourites to win the 2017 International Cup however they just fell short after losing a tight final to Papua New Guinea by a single point.
Originally hailing from Canterbury, Andrew Howison now resides in Melbourne where he was awarded Best on Ground for Oakleigh Districts in their Premiership win in 2015. Their first win in 30 years. He has also featured regularly in the annual announcement of the AFL New Zealand Heritage team and also received three consecutive Senior player of the year awards with his captaincy and leadership making him a well respected member of our community.
For the Melbourne based New Zealand captain, he understands how important the sport is to the local Melbournians. Howison’s dream is that his side of battling Kiwis can put their own stamp on the game just as Kiwi’s have done with many sports in the past.
A Vastly experienced captain and one of New Zealand’s core players, he returns for his seventh match against the AFL Academy and will no doubt bring a clear minded and tough approach on the ball yet again. Currently playing with the Dromana Football Club in the Mornington League, Howison will work with an elite midfield including Dean Staunton and Simon Black as they look to capture an elusive victory against the massively talented AFL Academy team.
