Rams win hearts at 2018 AFL Inclusion Carnival

The AFL NSW/ACT Rams have won the hearts of footy fans nation-wide at the 2018 AFL Inclusion Carnival held this week in Tasmania.

While the Rams did not fly home with the Inclusion Premiership, their spirit in the face of some tough competition had an entire country behind them.

Unable to win a game during the qualifying ‘Lightning Round’ on day one of the Carnival, the Rams were placed into ‘Pool B’ of the competition where they would take on the Northern Territory, Western Australia and Carnival hosts, Tasmania.

It was a tough start to the competition-proper, losing out to Tasmania by 17 points after trailing by just one-point at three quarter time. Both James McKay (Marayong) and Jack Stevens (Jindera) kicked two goals each during the match, while Christian Wallace-Perrett (Howlong) added his own for the match.

AFL NSW/ACT’s match against Western Australia in Round 2 would see another hard-fought loss. Damon Rowett from Cardiff was our goal scorer in this game, while Doonside’s Adam Orchard was solid in defence. Sev Camilleri, also from Doonside and Cameron Gudgeon of the ACT both provided plenty of run and carry too.

Despite the loss,  it was here where the Rams started gaining some new support. Noticing the unwavering passion of the Rams side, teams from Pool A and B, started to barrack for the blue and gold – Tasmania even came out to join the Rams during their quarter-time huddles.

With the extra support behind the Rams, their third game provided their first win of the tournament. Taking on the Northern Territory, the Rams were able to keep one-goal ahead of the Territorians at each break, keeping them at bay until the final siren.

Damon Rowett was the star for AFL NSW/ACT during this match, kicking three crucial goals, while James McKay added another to his tournament tally.

With a winning wind at their backs, the Rams would finish the 2018 AFL Inclusion Carnival with their second win. In a play-off for seventh and eighth place, the Rams took on Tasmania, a team they had lost out to earlier in the competition.

In the highest scoring match of the week for the Rams, they scored six goals with James McKay kicking three, and Sev Camilleri and Damon Rowett kicking one each. Cameron Gudgeon also kicked a goal, and was named the ‘Man of the Match’ Award too.

After an ultra-competitive match with Tasmania, it all came down to a last second shot on goal by Tasmania. Fortunately for the Rams, the score would end up going in their favour, meaning they finished a gallant seventh for the tournament.

Castle Hill’s Harry Woodhouse said that “supporting each other no matter what” had been one of his favourite parts of the Rams’ teamwork during the week.

Fan favourite, Sam Stubbs from Nowra named “being active” and his “teammates” as the best parts of the whole Carnival.

AFL NSW/ACT Community Football Support Manager, Jacinta Houston said the boys and the travelling support staff had a wonderful time in Tasmania.

“It was a tough start for the Rams, which had some of them a little sad to begin with, but their passion and resilience never disappeared,” said Houston.

“They were determined to get a win, and that they did, celebrating like they had won the whole competition. It was fantastic to see such emotion displayed by both the team and support staff – as well as our new-found supporters.

“It goes to show that our game means so much to these boys who revel in the opportunity to show their skills at a national level. The more we can include people with disabilities into the AFL, the better off we all will be.”

AFL NSW/ACT thanks AFL Tasmania for being incredible hosts of the 2018 AFL Inclusion Carnival as well as the New Horizons Club, Tourism Northern Tasmania and the City of Launceston. We would also like to acknowledge the support of the Tasmanian Government and Hawthorn Football Club throughout the tournament.

The Rams would also like to thank the NSW Government – in particular the Hon. Stuart Ayres, Minister for Sport and the Hon. Ray Williams, Minister for Disability Services – for their support in getting the team to the Carnival, as well as the Sydney Swans, GWS GIANTS, Sports4All, and XTM who provided the team with some winter woolies for the trip to sub-zero Tasmania.

Most importantly, AFL NSW/ACT would like to congratulate the Rams on representing their state and territory with such great passion and sportsmanship – you have done the entire region extremely proud.

If you would like more information on disability programs at AFL NSW/ACT, please contact Jacinta Houston at jacinta.houston@afl.com.au.

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