Pararoos star Bacon dedicates WA's first win over NSW to late brother

Football West made history on day two of the 2025 National Para Football Championships by defeating powerhouse Football NSW for the first time.

Conor Bunce scored four goals to take his tournament tally to eight in three games, with his fellow CommBank Pararoo Rafferty Bacon scoring the other in WA's 5-3 victory.

Bacon's goal made it 4-3 for WA, and he dedicated it to his late brother.

“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 play-offs.

All games are streamed live on the Football Australia YouTube page.

• The WA Para Football State Team program is managed by Football West’s charity partner, Football Futures Foundation. To learn more, please contact Football Futures Foundation HERE.
• The National Para Football Championships are for players living with cerebral palsy, acquired brain injury, symptoms of stroke or similar neuromuscular conditions.