New Champion Crowned as Football West Claim Para Football Title

James Coman 1765505719,1765507606

A new chapter has been written at the National Para Football Championships, with Football West crowned champions and a 17-year wait for a new winner finally brought to an end.

Across four days and 12 matches at the Home of the Matildas in Melbourne, the 2025 Championships delivered high-quality football, emerging talent and finals drama culminating in a Gold Medal match that lived up to the occasion.

For the first time since 2008, the trophy will head west, as Football West claimed their maiden title and capped a landmark week for para football in Australia.

FOOTBALL WEST CROWNED CHAMPIONS AFTER DRAMATIC PENALTY SHOOTOUT

Football West have been crowned National Para Football Champions for the first time in their history, defeating Football Victoria in a gripping Gold Medal match decided by penalties at the Home of the Matildas.

The Championship Final delivered a contest worthy of the occasion. Football Victoria controlled large stretches of possession in the first half, probing patiently as they searched for a way through Football West’s disciplined defensive structure. At the other end, Football West remained a constant threat on the counterattack, creating danger without finding the breakthrough.

With CommBank Pararoos goalkeeper Christian Tsangas anchoring Victoria’s defence and CommBank ParaMatildas goalkeeper Katelyn Smith standing firm for Football West, the quality between the posts was evident. Both keepers produced key interventions, ensuring the match remained scoreless at half-time and through the second period.

As intensity rose and chances continued to be repelled, the full-time whistle sounded with the scores locked at 0–0, sending the Championship Final to a penalty shootout.

In the shootout, Smith delivered the defining moment, producing a crucial save before Rodrigues Niyongere calmly converted the decisive penalty to seal a 3–2 victory on penalties.

That winning feeling. Football West explode with joy as they win the National Para Football Championships. Photo: Mark Avellino/Football Australia

Captain and CommBank Pararoo Alessandro La Verghetta said the triumph was built on years of perseverance.

“There’s no way to describe it,” he said. “I’ve been here for nine years and we’ve had heartbreak on multiple occasions. The boys dug deep, everyone played their part, and that’s what makes it so special.”

“Since 2008, New South Wales winning became the norm. But coming into this tournament, we believed that’s all our coach wanted. To do it with our families here from WA and the support back home, I’m lost for words.”

NSW FINISH STRONG TO CLAIM BRONZE ON FINAL DAY

Football NSW closed their National Para Football Championships 2025 campaign on a high, securing the Bronze Medal with a commanding 6–0 win over Football Queensland in the first final of the day at the Home of the Matildas.

After missing the Championship Final for the first time since 2008, NSW entered the Bronze Medal match determined to ensure they did not leave Melbourne empty-handed. They delivered exactly that, producing a dominant attacking display from the opening whistle.

It took just one minute for captain Augustine Murphy to set the tone, scoring directly from kick-off in a moment that immediately underlined NSW’s intent. From there, the goals flowed, with Murphy completing his fourth consecutive hat-trick of the tournament as the New South Welshmen surged to a 5–0 lead by half-time before closing out the match 6–0.

Football Queensland showed resilience despite a difficult assignment, fielding only six eligible players due to injuries and illness affecting their classification balance. Their effort and commitment were evident, but NSW’s quality and depth proved too strong.

Football NSW's Augustine Murphy celebrates a goal with teammates in the Bronze Medal Match. Photo: Mark Avellino/Football Australia

CommBank Pararoo Tomas Scotti, who was instrumental throughout the week, said the side was proud to finish with a medal.

“I’m very happy,” Scotti said.

“We struggled a few times in games with Victoria and WA, but we fought through it. I’m really happy with the team and how we played today. We’re going to celebrate now.”

Reflecting on the tournament, Scotti said the experience had once again reminded him why representing New South Wales is so meaningful.

“I can’t describe what it’s like playing for NSW. We’ve got a good culture, and with all these new players coming in now, we’ve developed the squad really well. I’m enjoying it with these guys.”

INDIVIDUAL HONOURS SHARE AMONG MEMBER FEDERATIONS

Following the Championship Final, players, families and supporters remained in the stands for the official closing ceremony, with former CommBank Socceroos and national team coaching staff in attendance as the Championships came to a close.