The AFL Inclusion Carnival is a week-long competition for footballers with an intellectual disability who compete for their State in a National Championships
States competing in 2015 are South Australia, Victoria Metro, Victoria Country, New South Wales/ACT, Queensland and Tasmania.
Along with playing, teams also get the opportunity to attend AFL matches and have the opportunity to play McDonald’s AFL 9s at half-time of the St-Kilda vs. Sydney Swan match at Etihad Stadium.
5 v 6 Final: Queensland 3.10.18 defeated Tasmania 1.7.13
Goals: Robbie Van Allen 3
Best: Robbie Van Allen, Graydon Poulsen, Shane Walker, Johnny Lawrence, Brad Lawrence – A great team effort
Coaches Comments: No doubt Tasmania came out with a strong desire for the contest. They jumped our blokes showing a clean set of heels and wanted to run.
We slipped into third gear in the third and a strong contest ensued. No one held back, bodies crashing in. In the end, small forward Robbie Van Allen stole the show, entertaining all with a colourful second half.
A fantastic week of football with many news friends and tall stories formed!
NOTE: Graydon Polsen and Josh Correra named All-Australian with Johnny Lawrence Best Queensland player.
Game 5: NSW 4.10.34 defeated Queensland 1.1.7
Goals: Luke O’Neill
Best: Gardon Poulse, Johhny Lawrence, Nick McConnel, Brad Lawrence, Robbie Van Allen
Coaches Comments: Somewhat disappointing as we felt confident. The Busyness of the week has taken its toll. Still, at days end after assisting a special schools competition we all ended up with smiles on our faces.
Game 4: Vic Metro 15.8.98 defeated Queensland 2.0.12
Goals: Robbie Graves 1, Shane Walker 1
Best: Nick McConnell, Zac Kimber, Luke O’Neill, Connor Dixon, Reagen Taylor
Coaches Comments: Tough Day at the offcie with game 4. Rested A few strategically but general aches and pains setting in. Now time for some R & R
Game 3: Vic Country 3.8.26 defeated Queensland 3.3.21
Goals: Josh Correa 1, Graydon Poulsen 1, Luke O’Neill 1
Best: Josh Correa, Graydon Poulsen, Luke O’Neill, Robbie Van Allen, Reagen Taylor, Johnny Lawrence
Coaches Comments: Wow we … What a game! Second and fourth quarter we owned. Rolled the dice at three quarter time in an effort to seal it. That we nearly did, with a last ditch push forward to kick the winner. Alas … nearly, but not to be.
A very strong team effort with our key play makers giving their all. Others all improving as their match knowledge grows.
Looking forward to the coming games
Game 2: South Australia 11.10.76 defeated Queensland 0.0.0
Best: Josh Correa, Graydon Poulsen, Brad Lawrence, Ben Haack, Phillip King
Coaches Comments: A very tough game. South Australia showed a vastly greater knowledge of the game; so much so that we went into our shells.
Tomorrow is another day
Game 1: Queensland 8.7.55 defeated Tasmania 4.0.24
Goals: Josh Correa 3, Graydon Poulsen 1, Connor Dixon 1, Raymond Riley, Robbie Van Allen 1
Best: Josh Correa, Graydon Poulsen, Luke O’Neill, Ben Haack, Brad Lawrence, Johnny Lawrence
Coaches Comments: Sound opening game with great displays of Teamwork as the boys gelled for the first time.
Some cracking goals, including Raymond Riley from Townsville who kicked a goal with his first kick in AFL
Pleasing display as the boys worked hard for each other – Tougher Game to Follow
