Worksafe AFL Victoria Country Record Article (NO.18)

WorkSafe AFL Victoria Country Record Article (NO.18)

VICTORIA NAMES 2016 AFL NATIONAL INCLUSION CARNIVAL BIG-V SQUAD

Victoria is ready to stamp its authority on the 2016 AFL National Inclusion Carnival next month, following the announcement of its Vic Country and Vic Metro representative squads.

Thirty-six of Victoria’s best all abilities players, including four emergencies have been chosen to don the Big-V jumper as they prepare to take on the top talent from across the country.

The final 16-man squads for Vic Country and Vic Metro boast players from across all corners of the state, including representatives from nine different regional clubs and 10 metropolitan teams.

Wodonga and Wangaratta share the most representatives in the Vic Country side with three players, followed by Ballarat, Gippsland, Hampden, Hamilton and Wimmera with two selections each, whileEchuca and Grampians have one.

The 2016 AFL National Inclusion Carnival brings together footballers with an intellectual disability from across the country to take part in a round-robin carnival pitting themselves against the best from four other states including NSW/ACT, South Australia, Queensland and Tasmania.

Held from August 9-14, the six-day event will be played at VFL venues across Melbourne, including Richmond’s Punt Rd Oval, Whitten Oval and North Port Oval.

Vic Metro will be led by Williamstown Seagulls FIDA coach Rob Klemm who will be keen to lead his team to back-to-back victories after defeating NSW/ACT by 10-points to clinch the 2015 title.

Wodonga Jets coach Matt Deegan has been selected at the helm of the Vic Country team who is ready to regain state bragging rights after tasting victory in 2014.

AFL Victoria FIDA Football & AAA Programs Manager, Logan Whitaker said the two teams are looking forward to representing their states.

“Pulling on the Big-V jumpers is a dream a lot of Victorian footballers have but never get the chance to experience, so it’s safe to say both our all-abilities teams are excited to get out on the park and make their dreams a reality,” Whitaker said.

“Things like this where players get to come out and socialize and be with a group of mates and actually be part of an event like this means a hell of a lot to them and you can see the smiles on their faces when they’re out there kicking the footy, they just love it.”

See below for the Vic Country squad: