The 2025 National Para Football Championships opened with a bang as goals flowed and every team stamped themselves on the tournament from the first whistle.
Set against the backdrop of the Home of the Matildas in Melbourne, players embraced the world-class environment and rose to the occasion, producing a day of high-scoring football, sharp execution and standout individual moments.
From decisive scorelines to debutants settling nerves and senior leaders asserting themselves early, Day 1 showed this year’s Championship is wide open.
- How to Watch National Para Football Championships 2025
- View the Fixtures for the National Para Football Championships 2025 Here
VICTORIA SEND EARLY WARNING SHOT IN NATIONALS PUSH
Football Victoria opened their campaign in emphatic fashion, dismantling Northern NSW Football in a dominant Day 1 display.
Kaylan Van-Heer set the tone with a ruthless six-goal haul, while Jackson Scott went one better with seven of his own. Captain Angus Macgregor added two goals and plenty of control in midfield, steering a Victorian side that looked sharp, connected and organised from the outset.
“We really wanted to get a good hot start and figure out the pitch and figure out the opposition,” he said.
“I think we linked passes together really well so I’m very happy with the result.”
Victoria’s preparation began back in February, with the squad intensifying their workload as the tournament approached.
“It’s been pretty intense. We’re all really very ready to go,” Macgregor continued.
For the Victorians, they have their sights set on finally ending Football NSW’s long-running dominance.
“We’ve been battling against them for years, so it’d be fantastic for this to be the year that we finally do it.”
“We’re like family already and we’ve got a good culture. It’s awesome to actually get here, play competitive matches against people from similar backgrounds to us. It’s always a really great week.”
FORMER SOCCEROO LEADS FOOTBALL WEST TO IMPRESSIVE OPENING WIN
Former Subway Socceroo David Williams has made an immediate impression in his first year coaching within CP football, guiding Football West to a confident opening-round win over Football Queensland.
Taking charge of a squad featuring several CommBank Pararoos and CommBank ParaMatildas players, Williams said early nerves were expected and welcomed.
“We had a few nervous boys, but if you get nervous, your hearts in the right spot,” he said.
“A few young kids getting their debuts as well, so very happy.”
The transition into coaching this team has been energising for him.
“It’s so rewarding, my joy comes from seeing these guys progress and how excited they are.”
“The mentality is the same, it’s to win, it’s to work hard and be in a team environment,” Williams said.
“We’ve got a 55-year-old and a 14-year-old, but they all want to compete.”
With strong leadership across the squad, Williams has been able to focus on standards and detail.
“I’ve got some good leaders which makes my job easier. I can concentrate on the football and keep the one-percenters around the ground.”
“Seeing their excitement is what drives me. Some travel massive distances just to be here. I’m very happy to be involved and do something new.”
NSW BEGIN TITLE DEFENCE IN STYLE AS MURPHY HITS HAT-TRICK
Football NSW launched their pursuit of a 15th consecutive National Para Football Championships crown with a powerful opening performance, led by a clinical hat-trick from captain Augustine Murphy in their win over Northern NSW Football.
Fresh off a standout CommBank Pararoos campaign at the Para Asian Cup, Murphy carried his international form straight into Nationals and is embracing the responsibility of leading the most dominant team in tournament history.
“It feels great. I’ve put everything into this since I started in 2019. I defend our title streak very proudly. I love this team,” Murphy said.
NSW have won the Championship 14 times in a row, holding the trophy for 16 years across that stretch, and now chase a 15th straight title. For Murphy, the weight of expectation is motivation.
“It feels like an exciting pressure. Once you get on a roll, you want to keep it going. Every year brings strong competition, especially this year. It’s going to be hard, but hopefully we can keep it going.”
Murphy’s current form only strengthens their defence.
“I honestly feel so good after that tournament. I’m having the time of my life. I’m really enjoying my football and playing for the Pararoos.
“It’s nice to share my football knowledge. The more of my teammates I can help, the better our team can be. Hopefully that’s enough to win us this tournament.”
