NSW claims 2023 National Para Football Championships title
The 2023 National Para Football Championships came to a close for another year, with New South Wales defending their title in a thrilling game against the hosts, WA.
Read the full wrap of the final day of action and see the award winners!
VICTORIA 4 - 1 QUEENSLAND
Victoria was victorious in the third-place playoff game, picking up a bronze medal at the 2023 National Para Football Championships. Joshua Beekes opened the scoring for the Victorian side, finding the opener with a shot from just inside the box.
Queensland found the equaliser through Logan King, a deep throw-in from skipper David Barber was unable to be cleared by the Victorian defence, with King slotting in the equaliser.
Beekes found the back of the net once again, giving Victoria a 2-1 lead heading into the break. Christian Bitsikas found Victoria's third in the second half, firing his shot past Barber in Queensland's goal.
Kaylan Van Heer ensured the victory with Victoria's fourth of the game to help his side to a medal.
WESTERN AUSTRALIA 0 - 8 NEW SOUTH WALES
The final saw the defending champions, New South Wales look to defend their title against the 2023 hosts in Western Australia.
Augustine Murphy gave NSW the lead in the 25th minute, a stunning free-kick found the top corner to give the visitors the lead. Ben Atkins doubled the lead for NSW heading into the break, his cross from the halfway line fooling the WA keeper to give NSW a 2-0 advantage.
Daniel Campbell made it 3-0 in the opening minutes of the second half, his back-heel from close range originally saved by WA's Samuel McConnachy but was unable to keep out the follow-up.
Murphy doubled his tally for the game to make it 4-0, firing in from close range. NSW continued to show why they claimed the title last year, Murphy finding a wide-open Jack Williams, whose first-time shot soared into the back of the net.
Harri Dowdell made it 6-0, with a scramble in the box unable to be cleared and NSW pouncing on the chance. Campbell scored the pick of the bunch to make it 7th heaven for NSW, firing in a shot from distance.
Campbell completed his hat-trick in the final minute of the game to make it 8-0, to ensure NSW claimed the title.
2023 National Para Football Championships Awards:
2023 National Para Football Championships Winners: NSW
2023 National Para Football Championships Runners-Up: WA
2023 National Para Football Championships Bronze: VIC
Golden Glove: Taine Wihare - FA Select
Golden Boot & FT3 Player of the Tournament: Daniel Campbell - NSW
FT2 Player of the Tournament: Augustine Murphy - NSW
FT1 Player of the Tournament: Kaylan Van Heer - VIC
Young Player of the Tournament: Giacomo Izzo - WA
Player of the Tournament: Connor Bunce - WA
