Finalists announced for WA Italian Team of Century

• Fifty WA AFL legends shortlisted to be a part of the historic elite team
• Shortlist features some of the biggest names in WAFL history

Fifty finalists have been selected from 157 nominees to be a part of the inaugural WA Italian Team of the Century.

This initiative, supported by all Western Australian Football League (WAFL) clubs and the WA Football Commission, celebrates the contribution of players with Italian heritage to Australia's national game.

The shortlist features players from some of WA's most notable AFL families including the Matera brothers as well as pioneering players from the early 1950s and 1960s.

South Fremantle and West Perth are the best represented WAFL clubs on the list, and 16 of the current 18 AFL clubs are represented by at least one player, demonstrating the positive contribution WA players have had across the country to Australian football.

The final list of 23 of Western Australia's greatest players with Italian heritage over the past 100 years will be revealed at a gala event at Optus Stadium in May.

Proceeds of the event will be donated to Telethon.

As stated by Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister Dr Tony Buti:

"Congratulations to everyone who has made the shortlist in what was a highly competitive field of nominees.

"Many AFL players with Italian heritage are now household names. However, this wasn't always the case and often these pioneering players were breaking down barriers, challenging stereotypes and paving the way for the cultural diversity we enjoy in today's AFL.

"I look forward to the announcement of this historic team and joining with the AFL, sporting and wider community to celebrate their legacy and achievements."

WA ITALIAN TEAM OF THE CENTURY FINALISTS