AFL NSW/ACT Inclusion Carnival team announced

The team set to represent AFL NSW/ACT at the upcoming 2018 AFL Inclusion Carnival has been selected ahead of their tour to Tasmania.

Now in its fifth year, the AFL National Inclusion Carnival provides an opportunity for players with an intellectual disability to participate in a week-long tournament.

The squad sees 12 returning players from the 2017 side selected, as well as four debutants in Adam Jones, Adam Orchard, Taylor Henson and Thomas Cavanagh-Boyd.

The four new players that have been selected to come into the side all have varied sporting backgrounds and a willingness to learn and develop their skills in a new sport.

The squad is also made up of seven players from Doonside Technical High School, highlighting the growth of AFL in the Western Sydney region.

Last year, the Rams played in the AFL Inclusion Carnival Grand Final against Vic Metro, however fell short in a spirited game. This year, the boys are looking forward to getting the opportunity to have another crack at the Premiership in 2018.

Some key players to look out for include Adam Orchard, Sam Stubbs and Sev Camilleri. Orchard has a Rugby League background but has adapted his playing style across to AFL effortlessly. Stubbs is returning this year and will look for some sneaky opportunities up forward, hopeful of putting a few goals on the board. Camilleri has great agility and a fantastic ability to use the ball well.

Damon Rowett is returning to the team for the third year and says he is looking forward to playing at UTAS Stadium and other high quality grounds.

“I am very proud to represent AFL NSW/ACT to the highest level of my ability in a national competition,” said Rowett.

AFL NSW/ACT are also proud to announce that in 2018, for the first time, the Rams will not required to pay to play, with the hope of reducing the financial pressure on the families of the players. This is thanks to the contributions of the Hon. Stuart Ayres – Minister for Sport and the Hon. Ray Williams – Minister for Disability.

AFL NSW/ACT Community Football Support Manager, Jacinta Houston says she is excited for everyone to arrive in Tasmania on Monday.

“We are very grateful for the support we have received from the Honourable Stuart Ayres and Ray Williams, as it means the players get to travel with the team at no cost to them and their families, making our sport more accessible to the wider community,” says Houston.

“The support of both the Sydney Swans and GWS GIANTS has also played a major part in getting the AFL NSW/ACT Rams side together.

“We are already proud of the team with the boys’ skills improving so much over the past few weeks. You can already see the friendships they have formed and we are looking forward to the week ahead.”

The team will play 10 games in five days with the aim to make the Grand Final, and to also have representation in the All-Australian side to be selected at the end of the Carnival.

The team will also take part in a lap of honour at half-time during the Hawthorn versus Gold Coast match in Round 14 and will help run a clinic for special needs students in the Launceston region.

Keep up-to-date with all AFL NSW/ACT related news by following us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.