Inclusion Rams team for National Carnival revealed
The Rams enjoying a win in the 2022 Toyota National Inclusion Carnival in South Australia. Credit: AFL Photos
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All NSW and the ACT will be behind the NSW/ACT Inclusion Rams as they travel to Queensland for the 2023 Toyota AFL National Inclusion Carnival next week, 9-13 October, in Brisbane.
The annual carnival for the most talented male footballers with an intellectual disability will again see representative teams from eight states and territories compete.
Delivered by the AFL and AFL Queensland and with APM Employment Services coming on board as supporting partner, Brisbane will host 72 matches with more than 160 athletes and support staff set to participate.
The NSW/ACT Inclusion Rams side is looking to build on its 2022 performance, which saw a strong finish to the Carnival, notching its best performances in the closing rounds.
This year is shaping up well, with enthusiasm at training peaking at the right time.
“This year’s Rams are excited to get to Brisbane and share a great experience with one another,” said the Inclusion Rams’ coach, Kasey Paradis. “It’s not about wins and losses, but everyone coming together to have a good time, form friendships and enjoy their footy.”
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Selection process
Given the strong finish to the 2022 Toyota AFL National Inclusion Carnival, much of the team has been unchanged this year. However, players wishing to break into the Inclusion Rams squad could show their stuff at selection trials in Sydney, Canberra and Newcastle.
One of the new faces in the team is Leua Elekana. Sydney-based, Leua has represented NSW in Touch Football and could be the X-factor the team needs to generate some extra midfield pace.
Damon Rowett is also one to watch at the Carnival. The Cardiff Hawks player was selected for the All Australian team last year and will be an on-field leader for the Inclusion Rams.
“Our side this year is a mix of old and new faces,” said Kasey Paradis. “It’ll be a great opportunity for everyone to get to know footy fans from across the state and territory, and around Australia and to try their best together.
“The National Inclusion Carnival is a great event. Everyone has a crack on the field, but as soon as the game’s finished, there’s a lot of camaraderie and respect. The whole team is looking forward to it.”
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| NSW/ACT Inclusion Rams 2023 | Location |
| Benson Holt | Temora |
| Brock Brady | Rooty Hill |
| Cam Gudgeon | Franklin |
| Dallas Starr | Rosewood |
| Damon Rowett | Wallsend |
| Daniel Beck | Cameron Park |
| Dion Kalogiros | Alfords Point |
| Harry Woodhouse | Western Sydney |
| Henry Flegg | Nelsons Bay |
| Jack Stevens | Jindera |
| Leua Elekana | Bungarribee |
| Mayank Kumar | Plumpton |
| Michael Cooke | Newcastle |
| Sam Fogarty | Kingston |
| Simon Schofield | Cameron Park |
| Will Maher | Cambewarra Village |
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Structure of the carnival: Eight teams (12-a-side) will play a lightning carnival format over the first two days, then based on results, the top four teams go into Division 1 and the bottom four teams go into Division 2. Teams play three matches against opponents in their division, before the top two teams play off in the Grand Final.
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Streaming details
All matches played on the final two days of the carnival – Thursday 12 October and Friday 13 October – will be broadcast live via Kayo Freebies and the AFL Inclusion Facebook page
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SQUAD LISTS FOR EACH STATE AND TERRITORY
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