The final qualification event for the 15th Men’s World Floorball Championships this December in Malmö, Sweden will be played from 21st – 25th May 2024 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City, Philippines to decide the final 3 teams to qualify for the 2024 Men’s WFC from the AOFC region. Australia, Singapore, Japan and China play in Group F whilst Thailand, Philippines, New Zealand and Korea will participate in Group G.
Group F
Australia
Describe your team, and what should we expect from your team during the WFCQ AOFC 2024?
Team Australia is an experienced and hungry team. With the additions of new U19 players. The team will be looking to take out the top spot at this years WFCQ. With mostly home grown players, our team is looking to build on the momentum it has gained with the growth of the sport in Australia and showcase it on the international level.
Players to watch
Rookie or young player to look out for on your team and why?
#30 Tom Meyer – An unpredictable player who loves to score goals and seems to thrive in pressure situations. His slick skills and pure never quit attitude makes him an extremely difficult player for defenders to deal with.
Who is a leader on and off the field and why?
#74 Daniel Gartner – The Australian Captain who leads by example in every way possible. What ever he puts his mind to he will achieve. Many can see his highlights in the past WFC’s doing what ever it takes to take his team to the top spot. This WFCQ will be no different, and expect him to be 100% ready to go come faceoff on the 21st of May.
Most skillful player?
#11 Christian Newland – A power forward with amazing stick handling skills and shooting ability. His two way work ethic means he will seemlying feel like he is everywhere against the opponents. Defenders will have their hands full trying to keep him in check.
Which player demonstrates #Fairfloorball the best and why?
#3 David Noney – His love and dedication to the game is apparent to all who know him. Plays hard and fair and first to help a fallen team mate or opponent should they need assistance. But don’t be fooled by his fair floorball status, he will be more than happy to put away the game winner if you give him just one chance.
Singapore
Describe your team, and what should we expect from your team during the WFCQ AOFC 2024?
Singapore Floorball has rejuvenated their squad with a mixture of young and experience players coming into this world cup qualifier 2024. The team has been raring to go and will be making their nation’s flag fly high during this competition. Placed 2nd in the recent AOFC ’23, Team Singapore is determined to continue their momentum coming into the WFCQ ’24.
Players to watch
Rookie or young player to look out for on your team and why?
#21 Azhari Saputra – They’re a rookie/young player who has shown immense potential both on and off the field. Their dedication to training and their natural talent make them a standout performer during practices and in scrimmages. What sets them apart is their ability to adapt quickly to new strategies and their willingness to learn from more experienced teammates. Plus, their positive attitude and work ethic make them a valuable asset to the team’s dynamic. As they continue to develop and gain more experience, no doubt they’ll become a key player for us in the future.
Who is a leader on and off the field and why?
#77 Thaddeus Tan – They exemplify leadership qualities in every aspect of their involvement with the team. On the field, they lead by example through their exceptional performance, strategic thinking, and ability to inspire teammates to push themselves to new heights. Off the field, they demonstrate leadership through their dedication to team cohesion, their willingness to mentor younger players, and their involvement in community outreach initiatives. Their integrity, work ethic, and commitment to excellence make them a role model for everyone in the team and beyond.
Most skillful player?
#35 Haris Abdul – Their exceptional talent and mastery of the game are evident every time they step onto the field. Whether it’s their lightning-fast footwork, precise ball control, or their ability to read the game and make split-second decisions, they consistently leave spectators and opponents in awe. Their skillfulness isn’t just limited to their technical abilities; they also possess a deep understanding of the game’s nuances, allowing them to anticipate plays and create scoring opportunities for themselves and their teammates. Their combination of athleticism, creativity, and instinct make them a true asset to our team.
Which player demonstrates #Fairfloorball the best and why?
Team Singapore has cultivated around #FairFloorball and will always seek to display the right values despite being competitive in the tournament.
Japan
Describe your team, and what should we expect from your team during the WFCQ AOFC 2024?
Even though the majority of the players are young they still carry the respect and disacpline that is expected of a national player. The team will show great sportsmanship through out the tournament to each other and players of other nationalities.
Players to watch
Rookie or young player to look out for on your team and why?
#33 Yuichi Yanagida – He’s small but has excellent technique and agility.
Who is a leader on and off the field and why?
#12 Shin Kato – He played in the Austrian league until last month and has a lot of international experience!
Most skillful player?
Which player demonstrates #Fairfloorball the best and why?
China
Describe your team, and what should we expect from your team during the WFCQ AOFC 2024?
China National Men’s Floorball Team is a young team newly formed with 18 players, making their debut in international competitions. During the WFCQ 2024 AOFC tournament, we aim for victory and prioritize growth and learning during the matches, striving to excel particularly in defense. We continuously work to improve our skills and tactical abilities, dedicated to developing our team and individual players.
Players to watch
Rookie or young player to look out for on your team and why?
#10 Zhang Zhiheng – The most promising young player in the team, boasting refined skills, exceptional physical attributes, and a keen sense of competition.
Who is a leader on and off the field and why?
#8 Maimaitijiang Mutalifu – Is the core figure of the team, possessing strong individual skills, extensive match experience, and outstanding managerial abilities. He excels at handling issues and difficulties among team members effectively.
Most skillful player?
Which player demonstrates #Fairfloorball the best and why?
Group G
Describe your team, and what should we expect from your team during the WFCQ AOFC 2024?
A combination of experience and youth, striving to become an even better team every time we play and aiming to qualify to the finals.
Players to watch
Rookie or young player to look out for on your team and why?
#67 Liam Kerdsawangwong – Liam plays very mature floorball with great awareness and speed.
Who is a leader on and off the field and why?
#72 Yotsaphong Chaiphring – Our commanding goal keeper, shows responsibility for the team on and off the court.
Most skillful player?
#8 Simon Johansson – Simon reads the games really well and puts himself in the best conditions to be dangerous and score.
Which player demonstrates #Fairfloorball the best and why?
#99 Theerawat Noisai – A competitive player who is also always respectful of the sport, his teammates, opponents and referees.
Describe your team, and what should we expect from your team during the WFCQ AOFC 2024?
The team is very technically skilled, great game understanding and really fast. The main characteristics, however, are that they are tactically well trained and several players play in the world’s best league, SSL.
Players to watch
Rookie or young player to look out for on your team and why?
Who is a leader on and off the field and why?
Most skillful player?
Which player demonstrates #Fairfloorball the best and why?
Describe your team, and what should we expect from your team during the WFCQ AOFC 2024?
This is easily the most experienced New Zealand Men’s team to ever play in a qualifiers, with most players having played in multiple campaigns and international tournaments previously. The team looks to grow from our best ever finish in 2022 and we back ourselves to qualify for the World Championships in Sweden.
Players to watch
Rookie or young player to look out for on your team and why?
#52 Kester Law – The MVP from the last New Zealand U19 campaign, Kester looks to make the step up to the men’s team.
Who is a leader on and off the field and why?
#2 Sam Elkin – The most vocal player on the team, we rely on Sam to lead us from the back, keep us organised in defence and always alert.
Most skillful player?
#21 Matthew Bertschinger – Recently spent time playing in Switzerland and has honed the skills and handles Matt spent years practicing on in New Zealand.
Which player demonstrates #Fairfloorball the best and why?
#35 Tom Kibblewhite – No matter the stakes or circumstances, Tom will always stand up for what is right, on and off the court.
Describe your team, and what should we expect from your team during the WFCQ AOFC 2024?
Team Korea 2024 have new players… Some experienced players are in the army or out by their work… It’s good we can bring up many new players by this tournament. We have good team work and several snipers… Team will be better than last time!!! Our goal is ticket to Sweden.
Players to watch
Rookie or young player to look out for on your team and why?
#28 Cho Hoon Dong – He is the youngest player in the team. He is an one of the most talented players. He has a good technique and know where the goal is. One funny thing is he changed the stick from left to right just several months ago. Watch him how good he is!
Who is a leader on and off the field and why?
#20 Lee Jun Young – He is a captain of the team. He has very good leadership and take the lead always. He is also very good defender with physical strength.
Most skillful player?
#9 Woo Bin – He is very fast. He can control the ball with full speed and shoot at the goal.
Which player demonstrates #Fairfloorball the best and why?
#1 Kim Jun Kwang – He is our goalie. He is very kind to everyone!!!
*Information is provided by the teams and edited by the IFF
