The Group Stage of the National Para Football Championships has come to a close, with the finals cast now confirmed after a gripping day of action at the Home of the Matildas in Melbourne.
Standards lifted once again as teams fought desperately to secure their final ranking, knowing only two sides would progress to tomorrow’s Gold Medal match. In one of the biggest storylines of the tournament, Football NSW fell short of the decider, ending their quest for a 15th consecutive title and ensuring a new champion will be crowned for the first time since 2008.
National team coaches watched intently from the stands as players pushed through the final round of group fixtures, with performances across all classifications giving selectors plenty to consider.
- How to Watch National Para Football Championships 2025
- View the Fixtures for the National Para Football Championships 2025 Here
Teams Confirmed for Finals
The race for finals went right down to the last match of the day, underlining the competitiveness and quality of this year’s Championship.
After an outstanding Group Stage campaign, Football Victoria secured their place in the Gold Medal match, where they will meet an equally impressive Football West side. Both teams have been consistent across the week and are stacked with top-tier talent, setting up a blockbuster final at 10.35am tomorrow.
Despite missing the Gold Medal match and falling short in their bid for a 15th straight championship, Football NSW will still feature on finals day. They will take the field in the Bronze Medal match at 9.00am, facing Football Queensland.
The closing ceremony will then award several major honours, including the Goalkeeper of the Tournament, Golden Boot, Female Player of the Tournament, Young Player of the Tournament, FT1/FT2/FT3 Players of the Tournament, and the prestigious George Tonna Medal for the Championship Final MVP.
Lammert Highlights Rising Talent
CommBank Pararoos Head Coach Kai Lammert says the National Para Football Championships 2025 are showcasing one of the most exciting talent pools Australia has seen in years, with performances across the week highlighting the tournament’s critical role in shaping the national team’s future.
“It was great,” Lammert said.
“This morning we’ve already had some fantastic games, and this one topped it off so far with Victoria against New South Wales. There are some great games out here.”
From a national team perspective, what he has seen so far has been exactly what he hoped for.
“There’s some real talent out there,” he said.
“It’s good to see not only the current Pararoos, but also the ones knocking on the door and some emerging players who, in a year or two, might be stating their claim as well.”
While the CommBank Pararoos squad has remained relatively stable in recent years, Lammert believes this tournament is revealing a new wave of athletes ready to take the next step.
“I’m looking forward to seeing some of them in the Pararoos jumper in the not-so-distant future.”
He emphasised that the Para Nationals remains the cornerstone of the national team pathway.
“It’s certainly the highlight for all the states and for us as national team staff,” he said.
“It’s a chance to see them and see the progress that’s been made within the states during the year. These tournaments are very, very vital for their development.”
With the 2026 IFCPF World Cup on the horizon, planning has already begun.
“We’re just back from the Asian Cup, but as soon as you’re back, the first day you start planning for the World Cup,” Lammert said.
“No doubt it will be an exciting tournament in the US, and we’re already looking forward to it.”
