Four West Aussies in Pararoos squad
Four West Australians have been selected in head coach Kai Lammert's 18-player strong CommBank Pararoos squad as they open Football Australia’s 2023 calendar of home internationals next month against the USA in New South Wales.
Experienced duo Connor Bunce and Alessandro La Verghetta are joined by exciting uncapped prospects Rafferty Bacon, 16, and 17-year-old Noah Bremmer-Bell.
It will mark the CommBank Pararoos first international on home soil in three years as they welcome the world number four on Saturday, 4 February to Cromer Park, the home of Manly Warringah Football Association.
The game is being shown live on 10 Play from 11.45am WST (noon kick-off).
Lammert has called up a host of familiar faces with history making veteran captain David Barber, forward Ben Roche and midfielder Connor Marsh headlining a host of experienced names.
At the other end of the spectrum, several emerging players have been rewarded for strong performances at the 2022 National Para Football Championships, with six uncapped players in line to live out childhood dreams.
Lammert was pleased with the composition of the squad ahead of an important international against the United States.
“We believe we have selected a great squad for this upcoming training camp and international that provides an essential balance of experience and talented youth,” Lammert said.
“This is the first step in the preparation for our 2023 international calendar and we are looking for all players to enjoy the challenge playing against one of the top teams in CP football, gain some experience and hopefully learn from it as well.
“It’s very important for our preparation to have these internationals under our belt. We don't get to play too many international matches, so it is extremely crucial for us and it’s an ideal for us to come up against quality opponents early in the year.”
Among the newest call ups are Victorian duo Kaylan Van Heer and Joshua Beekes with 16-year-old Van Heer named the 2022 Nationals Male Young Player of the Tournament, and Beekes receiving the 2022 Nationals FT3 Player of the Tournament. Perth-based defender Bacon and Canberra’s Luc Launder (2022 Nationals FT2 Player of the Tournament) will also be vying for their first caps in a squad with representation from the West Coast to the East Coast of Australia.
“For the new players, it’s always special for every player to pull on the Green and Gold and its extra special when you pull it on for the very first time,” Lammert said. “I can't wait to see them out there as they have worked very hard for it, and they certainly deserve this opportunity.”
“We're obviously playing to make sure we're improving in every performance and our last performances against the USA, but still play our way of football. I'm sure the crowd will enjoy the great football game on February 4 at Cromer Park.”
The CommBank Pararoos will head into camp on Saturday, 28 January ahead of the international fixture.
Tickets are available at Ticketek with 100 per cent of ticket sales invested back into the CommBank Pararoos and nurturing the next generation of para footballers.
MATCH DETAILS
CommBank Pararoos v United States of America
Date: 4 February 2023
Location: Cromer Park, Manly
Kick-Off: 3pm AEDT / 12pm WST
Tickets: Available via Ticketek (100 per cent of ticket sales invested back into the CommBank Pararoos)
MEDIA NOTE: Media interested in obtaining accreditation for the CommBank Pararoos are to email media@footballaustralia.com.au with their Expression of Interest.
COMMBANK PARAROOS SQUAD | 28 – 5 FEBRUARY 2023
|
Name |
Position |
Classification |
Caps (goals) |
Member Federation |
|
Rafferty Bacon |
Defender |
FT1 |
0 (0) |
Football West |
|
David Barber |
Defender |
FT2 |
104 (70) |
Football Queensland |
|
Joshua Beekes |
Forward |
FT3 |
0 (0) |
Football Victoria |
|
Christian Bitsikas |
Forward |
FT2 |
0 (0) |
Football Victoria |
|
Timothy Blowes |
Midfielder |
FT2 |
2 (0) |
Football NSW |
|
Jeremy Boyce |
Defender |
FT2 |
5 (0) |
Football NSW |
|
Noah Bremmer-Bell |
Midfielder |
FT3 |
0 (0) |
Football West |
|
Connor Bunce |
Forward |
FT2 |
13 (7) |
Football West |
|
Daniel Campbell |
Midfielder |
FT3 |
19 (7) |
Northern NSW Football |
|
Alessandro La Verghetta |
Defender |
FT2 |
10 (2) |
Football West |
|
Luc Launder |
Forward |
FT2 |
0 (0) |
Capital Football |
|
Taj Lynch |
Midfielder |
FT2 |
18 (1) |
Football NSW |
|
Connor Marsh |
Midfielder |
FT2 |
31 (5) |
Football NSW |
|
Augustine Murphy |
Forward |
FT2 |
14 (1) |
Football NSW |
|
Benjamin Roche |
Forward |
FT2 |
58 (30) |
Football Victoria |
|
Benjamin Sutton |
Forward |
FT1 |
7 (0) |
Football NSW |
|
Christian Tsangas |
Goalkeeper |
FT1 |
3 (0) |
Football Victoria |
|
Kaylan Van Heer |
Forward |
FT1 |
0 (0) |
Football Victoria |