Rams make history at AFL Inclusion Carnival

The NSW/ACT Rams Inclusion side have made history this week at the 2017 AFL Inclusion Carnival.

Qualifying for ‘Pool A’ for the first time in the state’s history, the Rams began their week with five wins from seven ‘lightening’ matches, to ensure their spot against the top states.

Though their first official match against Vic Metro was a loss, the team rallied in their second match to overcome Vic Country for the first time since NSW/ACT joined the event in 2013.

Notoriously difficult to defeat, the Vic Country side would eventually play in – and win – the third place playoff match for the carnival in the finals.

Needing a win against tournament hosts Queensland in their third match, the NSW/ACT side were relentless in their quest to make the AFL Inclusion Grand Final, and were victorious by the siren.

Coming up against Vic Metro – the back-to-back- defending champions – in the Grand Final, the NSW/ACT Rams knew they were in for a fight.

In the end, the Vics would be flying the Peter Ryan Cup home with them, but for all teams involved in the carnival, the week was about much more than winning.

AFL General Manager of Inclusion and Social Policy, Tanya Hosch said the carnival is a true indication the AFL is committed to building opportunities to play the game, ensuring it is accessible to all.

“The AFL supports and promotes inclusion of our game at all levels and the AFL National Inclusion Carnival provides an opportunity for players to play the game they love, socialise with their friends and be a part of a national event playing for their State or Territory,” Ms. Hosch said.

“The carnival not only gives some of Australia’s most talented footballers the chance to represent their State or Territory, but is also an opportunity to showcase the significant abilities of footballers with an intellectual disability to the broader community.

“To have the opportunity to pull on their State or Territory jumpers may be a dream for these footballers but the personalities we see on the field and the great stories we hear is what really captures the true spirit of the carnival.”

AFL NSW/ACT Team Manager, Daniel Borzuola said that the boys had a remarkable tournament.

“[The Grand Final loss] Hit a couple of the boys a bit hard, but overall they are ecstatic with their performance during the week.”

Western Sydney school, Doonside Technology produced seven players in the NSW/ACT Rams squad, including the player announced as the AFL NSW/ACT Rising Star, Sebastien Camilleri.

“This kid is a star on and off the field,” said Borzuola.

Joining him in Rams team accolades was Cameron Fraiser Cameron Fraiser, who was named the NSW/ACT Player of the Tournament.

Fraiser was also selected within the prestigious AFL Inclusion All Australian squad along with his NSW/ACT teammates, Chris Bolt and James Howard.

The week was topped off with all players and staff attending the Gold Coast Suns and Richmond match at Metricon Stadium last night.