APM WA AFL Inclusion State Team and APM WA Wheelchair State Team
WA has named two squads for the upcoming AFL Open in Brisbane next week.
The APM WA AFL Inclusion State Team will take a group of 16 players, with the team playing its first match against Vic Metro Friday, November 22.
The APM WA Wheelchair State Team opens its campaign facing Tasmania, also on Friday, November 22.
The WA Inclusion team will be coached by East Perth forward and WA All Abilities Football Specialist Tom Medhat and Captained by Daniel Harvey.
In his second year since moving to WA from Queensland, Harvey has been given the role of leader after his impressed all his coaches and teammates with the way he’s conducted himself, his bravery and football ability.
“I am excited and honoured to captain Western Australia in the AFL open,” Harvey said.
“It’s been one of my long time goals and I look forward to the responsibilities of being a leader on and off the field.
“I feel we have a very experienced squad who value communication and making others better.”
Medhat is excited about taking the team to Queensland.
“After a fantastic 2024 of Perth Football League Integrated Footy in WA, selecting only 16 players to represent WA in the AFL Open this year was incredibly difficult,” Medhat said.
“With an experienced coaching staff in Rob Turner and David Wright, we believe the potential for the 16 players selected to shine, learn and compete in Brisbane is really exciting.
“We have had a really big focus and amazing buy in from everyone involved with the program this year about how you can make your teammates better.
“It is a massive achievement, so the 16 players selected to do that this year will do WA proud.”
The WA Wheelchair State Team will be led by Ryan Zilioli as Player/Coach.
“From finishing the 2022 carnival in B-division and then making the A-division Grand Final against Vic Metro last year, we’re excited about what this team can achieve and it’s an honour for every player to represent WA.,” Zilioli said.
"This year Ben Green has been given with the honour of leading the Wheelchair state side into battle.
“In his second year of wheelchair football, Ben claimed a club best and fairest at the West Coast Eagles and was dominant across the back line for WA in last year's carnival.
“This year he was again selfless, with a high work rate and he’ll to do everything in his power to make those around him better, showing that he is the right man for the job.”
The squad will hold a final training session in Perth at HBF Stadium Mt Claremont prior to the first game of the WA Wheelchair Football League on Sunday, November 17 before departing for Queensland.