Day Two of the National Para Football Championships 2024 unfolded under grey skies as the front-runners of the competition began to emerge.
Though a shorter day of matches awaited the teams at the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra, the intensity remained high, with every goal crucial in determining the final standings.
TASMANIAN TRAILBLAZER LIVING THE DREAM
Despite donning the red and black of Northern NSW, up-and-coming player Ryley Lincolne calls Tasmania home.
After a quick Google search awakened him to CP Football, Ryley's passion and eagerness to learn quickly secured him a place at the National Para Football Championships.
"I made a few contacts with the program in NSW, did some research, and attended the tryouts. That's when Northern NSW scouted me, and now I'm here," Lincolne said.
"Back in Tasmania, things are pretty full-on. I play for the Devonport Strikers with the Under 16s and train twice a week. It's great to be here at the Para Nationals, playing alongside my people."
Despite never visiting Canberra before or knowing many people, Lincolne hasn't let that stop him from pursuing his dream of representing the CommBank Pararoos.
"Daniel Campbell (Football NSW and CommBank Pararoo) is probably my idol. I love the way he plays, pulling off moves and everything. It's really fun watching him play. I just hope I get noticed if I can perform at his level.
"I hope this leads to more Nationals and eventually international football. That's my main goal," Lincolne concluded.
BUNCE READY TO SHAKE UP THE COMPETITION
Swapping the scorching Western Australian sun for Canberra's brisk, wintry mornings would be a shock for anyone, but for Football West's Connor Bunce, the cold hasn't stopped him from heating up the competition.
A five-goal haul against Northern NSW, followed by two goals against Football QLD, has rocketed Football West to the top end of the ladder with one more day of group stage football remaining.
Despite the long flight across the country and arriving to tough conditions, Bunce says the team remains focused.
"We've done pretty well so far, especially with a lot of younger players stepping up," Bunce said.
"We've got a lot to work on, but in the meantime, this is a great opportunity, especially for the younger ones with the eyes of Kai Lammert (CommBank Pararoos Head Coach) on them."
In his sixth Para Nationals appearance, Bunce has witnessed firsthand how the competition's quality has risen over time.
"It's improved massively over the years. The teams and players are much stronger this year and there are so many talented young players coming through.
"The future is looking bright for CP football in Australia. The coaches will have a tough time picking the players for the World Cup, with so many stepping up at Nationals," Bunce concluded.
UNDEFEATED CHALLENGE
Football NSW might be the only undefeated team at the Para Nationals, but that doesn't mean those at home can't stay undefeated too.
The Undefeated Challenge is a fundraising event for the CommBank Pararoos and ParaMatildas. From 30 Sep - 6 Oct, participants can walk, run, swim, or ride as far as they can for seven days. The event raises essential funds, enabling the teams to compete at the 2024 IFCFP World Cup in Spain. By joining, you can test your limits, support the athletes, and promote greater awareness of CP Football in Australia. CLICK HERE to get involved.
Day Three of the National Para Football Championships 2024 commences at 9:00am AEST on Friday, with Football SA playing Football West. Click HERE
