- Fifty WA AFL legends shortlisted to be a part of
the historic elite team
- Shortlist features some of the biggest names in
WAFL history
Fifty finalists have been
selected from 157 nominees to be a part of the inaugural WA Italian Team of the
Century.
This initiative, supported
by all Western Australian Football League (WAFL) clubs and the WA Football
Commission, celebrates the contribution of players with Italian heritage to
Australia's national game.
The shortlist features
players from some of WA's most notable AFL families including the Matera
brothers as well as pioneering players from the early 1950s and 1960s.
South Fremantle and West
Perth are the best represented WAFL clubs on the list, and 16 of the current 18
AFL clubs are represented by at least one player, demonstrating the positive
contribution WA players have had across the country to Australian football.
The final list of 23 of
Western Australia's greatest players with Italian heritage over the past 100
years will be revealed at a gala event at Optus Stadium in May.
Proceeds of the event
will be donated to Telethon.
Comments attributed to Citizenship and Multicultural Interests Minister
Dr Tony Buti:
"Congratulations to
everyone who has made the shortlist in what was a highly competitive field of
nominees.
"Many AFL players with
Italian heritage are now household names. However, this wasn't always the case
and often these pioneering players were breaking down barriers, challenging
stereotypes and paving the way for the cultural diversity we enjoy in today's
AFL.
"I look forward to the
announcement of this historic team and joining with the AFL, sporting and wider
community to celebrate their legacy and achievements."
WA ITALIAN TEAM OF
THE CENTURY FINALISTS
