Day Two of the National Para Football Championships wrapped up at the Home of the Matildas with another showcase of quality, intensity and growing tournament pressure in Melbourne.
With a shortened schedule designed to support player recovery, just two fixtures took place but both delivered in full, offering sharp play, big individual moments and results that have reshaped the landscape heading into the final round of group matches.
As fatigue begins to set in and the table tightens, teams now have one last opportunity on Thursday to stake their claim for Friday’s playoffs.
- How to Watch National Para Football Championships 2025
- View the Fixtures for the National Para Football Championships 2025 Here
BACON DELIVERS HISTORIC MOMENT FOR FOOTBALL WEST
Football West have made history on Day Two of the National Para Football Championships by defeating powerhouse Football NSW for the first time in their history.
Delivering the decisive moment was CommBank Pararoo Rafferty Bacon, whose match-winning strike carried far more weight than just securing the victory.
“We’ve never beaten New South Wales before, so I’m happy to be the one scoring that goal,” he said.
“I know my brother up above would be watching over. That’s the reason I stick with football, I keep going for him. If he was here today, he’d be so excited. It’s the best feeling.”
For Bacon, the emotion came not only from the history made, but from the journey behind it.
“I’ve come a long way from where I was back in the day,” he said.
“I do it for everyone who comes from less fortunate places, because I was there once too. Whatever you come from, you can do it, believe in yourself.
“I know people who grew up in tough homes and go on to do amazing things. I’ve been there too, and now I’m here playing for my state. I just came back from Indonesia a couple of weeks ago. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved, and I want to say to everybody that they can achieve things too. You don’t have to set your sights small.”
The victory cements Football West as one of the top teams of the tournament, all while taking the field without inspirational captain Alessandro La Verghetta, who was rested for the match.
The Western Australians have one match remaining against Northern NSW Football on Thursday before learning their fate ahead of Friday’s playoffs.
McPHIE & QUEENSLAND PUSH VICTORIA IN GRITTY DAY 2 CONTEST
Football Queensland delivered one of the gutsiest performances of Day Two, pushing tournament front runners Victoria to their limits in a tight, disciplined contest.
Queensland held the top-ranked side scoreless throughout the first half, matching Victoria for pressure and intensity before fatigue eventually told after the break. For CommBank ParaMatilda Trinity McPhie, who was the only female player on the pitch, the team’s effort was something to be proud of.
“The first half went pretty well. We tried to keep them off and we obviously succeeded,” McPhie said.
“In the second half we got a little tired, but we kept putting pressure on them, which is very good.”
Facing a Victorian side packed with attacking power, Queensland’s display spoke volumes about the growth and spirit of the squad.
“I’m pretty impressed with how the boys went,” she said.
“We definitely did really well with the game and we're looking forward to seeing what the next two matches bring us.”
As a CommBank ParaMatilda competing primarily against male athletes, McPhie embraces the challenge fully.
“It’s very different,” she said.
“I come from playing women’s football, so when I come here and play against the boys it’s a lot harder but I like the challenge.
“It definitely teaches me a lot and hopefully pushes me to become a better player.”
With one day left in the group stage, Queensland remain firmly in the mix, and McPhie believes the side has more to give.
“We’re definitely going to push ourselves. We take it one game at a time and we’ll go from there.”
