Tonga Tigers have finished their first International Cup in ninth place following their six-point victory over Canada Northwind on Friday.
It has been a hugely successful tournament for the pacific island nation who only started playing AFL three years ago.
With the majority of their squad under the age of 23 and with more resources put into growing the game in Tonga, including junior development programs, the country is likely to feature prominently in future International Cups - and potentially in the AFL.
Israel Folau's cousin and GWS scholarship holder Peni Mahina was again influential for Tonga against Canada while Simote Taunga (#18) was a standout with two goals.
For the Canadians, they have given everything all tournament but have lacked the consistency needed to secure more victories.
Their best match was against last tournament's grand finalists New Zealand where they were leading by one point early in the fourth quarter but unfortunately ran out of gas.
As he has done all event co-captain Clayton Holmes was a star for his team against Tonga in his fourth International Cup.
He was assisted by Steve Rutlege (#15) and Justin Settle (#38) who almost got their team over the line with their accurate kicking for goal.
The Northwinds made a late fourth quarter surge, with Kylie Graham (#80) leading the way with three goals, and got to within six points before running out of time.
Canada came into the event ranked 12th and will leave IC11 in tenth place which is a significant improvement over the two weeks.
Tonga v Canada
Tonga 6.10 (46) def Canada 6.4 (40)
Tonga
Goal kickers: S Taunga 2, K Tatuefe, M Lavemai, Mosa, S Langi
Best players: S Nau, P Mahina, H Fasitila, K Tatuefe, S Taunga, T Fihali
Last Modified on 27/08/2011 07:20