WA Flying Flag At AFL OpenWednesday, October 29, 2025 - 10:21 AM

The 2025 Toyota AFL Open is underway in Victoria with Western Australia’s two teams qualifying for the Semi-Finals.

This year marks the second instalment of the Toyota AFL Open after the inaugural event was hosted in Queensland last year. 

The flagship national event is designed for footballers with an intellectual disability and wheelchair players.

Over four action-packed days, players from across the country are showcasing their passion, skill and determination, representing the inclusion, wheelchair, as well as the blind and low vision categories. 

WA Inclusion coach Tom Medhat has declared the event a wonderful experience for everyone involved.

“I really enjoy this role, every year it is an amazing experience,” Medhat said.

“I love the pure joy of seeing and supporting these players grow, not just on the footy field, but also in confidence off the field”.

“It is footy in its purest form, played by people who are not only incredibly talented, but absolutely live and breathe the game.”

WA’s Inclusion Team claimed three wins from six matches in Division 2 during the Lightning Carnival to qualify for the Semi Finals.

Hayden Marchetto, coach of the WA Wheelchair side in Division 1 of the competition, praised the concept of the Toyota AFL Open.

“It is an honour to coach this side, and each player has given their all representing their state,” Marchetto said.

“It really is great for people of all abilities to be involved in this wonderful four day carnival.”

The WA Wheelchair team qualified for the Semi-Finals with four wins from seven games.

A special event also for WA pair Eliza Bain and Kath Lampacher who represented The Allies in the Women's Inclusion Exhibition Match against Victoria.

The Allies defeated the Big v by 36 points.

As participation continues to rise and more people connect with the game, the 2025 Toyota AFL Open has also focussed on building inclusion pathways for women and girls and building opportunities to showcase and highlight modified versions of footy.

APM National Partnerships Manager Sheree Holdsworth believes the AFL Open has proven to be a great community event.

“At APM, we believe sport brings people together and creates opportunities for everyone to belong,” Holdsworth said.

“Our partnership with the WA AFL Inclusive Team is about celebrating diversity, supporting athletes of all abilities, and building a stronger, more inclusive community.

“We’re proud to stand alongside these incredible players.”