Football NSW stunned by Football West in Day Two of the National Para Football Championships
Football West have made history on Day Two of the National Para Football Championships by defeating powerhouse Football NSW 5-3 for the first time in their history at the Home of the Matildas on Wednesday.
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.
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