Barwon All-Abilities players take victory in AFL Inclusion Cup

This year's National Inclusion Carnival, an annual showcase of the most talented male footballers with intellectual disabilities, featured representative teams from eight different States and Territories. The tournament began with a round-robin format where all eight sides faced each other in the initial two days of competition. As the event progressed, the teams were divided into two groups: Division 1, consisting of Tasmania, South Australia, Western Australia, and Vic Metro; and Division 2, comprising Queensland, Vic Country, Northern Territory, and New South Wales.

With the involvement of 3 players from AFL Barwon's All-Abilities League, Vic Country emerged as the champions of the 2023 Toyota AFL National Inclusion Carnival's Division 2 competition, securing their first title since their Division 1 victory in the inaugural National Inclusion Carnival in 2014. The thrilling Grand Final took place at Brighton Homes Arena in Queensland on October 13 with the team winning the Grand Final against Queensland with a decisive scoreline of 9.4 (58) to 4.1 (25).

The AFL Barwon players included Ash Dunscombe (Bell Park), Josh Gray (Newcomb), & Daniel Curnow (St Joseph's).

In the Division 1 Grand Final, Tasmania also made history with their first-ever Division 1 title win. This culminated from a miraculous come-from-behind victory against reigning champions South Australia. In hot and sunny conditions, Tasmania secured their victory with a dramatic last-minute goal, earned after a crucial 50-meter penalty, resulting in a final score of 5.4 (34) to 4.6 (30).

Joel Corbett from Tasmania and Jarrod Redcliffe from Vic Country were awarded as Best on Ground for Division 1 and Division 2, respectively. 

Full results and ladders from the carnival can be found here.