It was an opportunity too good to pass up for Dean Ryan, who earned the once-in-a-lifetime trip after being recruited into the Australian Government's Volunteers Program.

Working directly with AFL Fiji, his role has him working with staff to educate and develop the knowledge of the game's local players and coaches.

"I was attracted to the challenge of experiencing a different culture, and the chance to help grow the game in a beautiful country like Fiji was too good an opportunity to turn down," he said.

Ryan will spend a number of months in the country, before returning in July to coach the Fiji national women's team at the AFL International Cup on the Sunshine Coast.

He said the experience so far had been amazing.

"The Fijians possess great athletic abilities," he said.

"Some of these people spend hours travelling just to come to training, some come on buses and some will walk for hours because they can't afford the bus fare.

"Many of the kids play and run around in their bare feet having never worn a pair of football boots in their lives.

"They know no different and are happy and grateful for what they have."

Ryan said Fijian's are a religious people and often sing gospel songs after each game.

He said since the AFL arrived in the country a decade ago, the sport had grown significantly.

He said it was only a matter of time before a star was found.

"There is huge potential, with their athleticism and physique," he said.

"Every day you will see someone on the street wearing an AFL jumper of a team and it is shown on local TV here during the season.

"Their passion to learn makes it a great place to teach."

Hailing from Ireland, Ryan spent three years with Learmonth in the Central Highlands Football League, before jumping to North Ballarat in 2017.

He played two AFL International Cup tournaments for Ireland and won a best and fairest with Learmonth as a reserves player.

Before heading to Fiji, he served as the strength and conditioning coach for North and the GWV Rebels.

The well-travelled Irishman said he was adapting well to his tropical climate.

"I am really enjoying my time here, especially learning the Fijian language which really helps to build relationships," he said.

The Australian Volunteers Program is an initiative that supports skilled Australians to volunteer overseas to contribute to locally-driven, sustainable development to overseas countries.