Physical, high-intensity and end-to-end action highlighted a thrilling day of action at the National Para Football Championships 2024 as the tournament progresses into the final stages.
The passion on the field skyrocketed as teams jostled for every goal to propel themselves up the ladder. One day remains at the National Para Football Championships 2024 with the finalists now confirmed and silverware within grasp.
FINALISTS CONFIRMED
After three days of enthralling clashes, it's time for Finals at the Para Nationals with the Australian Institute of Sport, Field 2, Canberra playing host to all the deciding matches on Saturday 14 September.
Football NSW will be looking to defend their Para Nationals title for the sixteenth straight year when they face a determined Football West in the Gold Medal match at 11.10am AEST.
Football VIC and Northern NSW Football will do battle in the Bronze Medal match at 9.35am AEST.
Contesting the Sixth v Fifth place playoff at 8:00am AEST will be Football QLD and Football SA with the South Australian's claiming a slim 1-0 victory over Queensland when the pair met early in the competition.
MCPHIE MAKING THE MOST OF NATIONALS EXPERIENCE
While most teenagers have been inside at school this week, 16-year-old Trinity McPhie's classroom has been the National Para Football Championships and she's making every second count.
Representing Football QLD, McPhie has been leaning on her more experienced teammates to help her through the tournament.
"The team is very supportive and have looked out for me very well. They guided me through the steps that they want to see and it's such a nice team to be with," McPhie said.
Despite playing in only her second Para Nationals, McPhie was handed the captain's armband for Football QLD, an honor that wasn't lost on her.
"To captain your state is a privilege but you also have to earn that privilege," McPhie said.
"It's very special to represent Queensland at any level and hopefully moving forward I'll get to represent Australia at the World Cup in Spain."
As one of four females competing at the National Para Football Championships, McPhie is well on track to achieving her dream of wearing green and gold for the CommBank ParaMatildas.
"I found the tournament as a good way to improve for the World Cup. Right now, I'm trying to focus on Nationals and obviously next week there's a training camp for the CommBank ParaMatildas and I'm looking forward to finding out what happens," McPhie concluded.
NORTHERN NSW SHINING ON DEBUT
After locking up a place in the Bronze Medal playoff at their first ever tournament, it's fair to say Northern NSW have announced themselves at the Para Nationals.
For CommBank Pararoo and Northern NSW player Luc Launder, being part of the historic occasion is something he'll remember for a long time.
"It's been really good so far. We've had some tough games and we have a very young team which have made me very proud in the first few games," Launder said.
"It's Northern NSW's first ever Nationals and a Northern NSW player scored the first goal to get us up against Victoria in our first game, it's a very special experience for sure.
"And to be able to hold NSW to only one goal at half time, it's something these boys and girls have to be proud of."
While other squads are boasting heavily experienced and seasoned players, Northern NSW consists of young players with many of whom playing at their first Para Nationals.
"We spend a lot of time together after games and watch the other matches, so we get along really well," Launder continued.
"We have a few incredibly good young players who I'm sure will be a part of this program for a long time. I can't wait to see them flourish and show what they can do in the future," Launder concluded.
The final day of the National Para Football Championships 2024 commences at 8:00am AEST on Saturday, with the fifth and sixth place playoff between Football SA playing Football QLD. Click HERE
