By Jonty Ralphsmith
Over the Christmas period, the News’ sports team will be re-sharing some of the most popular stories from over the course of 2024.
Thank you for supporting our newspapers over the course of the year. We hope you enjoy the selection and have a wonderful holiday period, however you choose to celebrate.
Pakenham local Lachlan Essing co-captained Vic Country at the recent AFL Open Inclusion Carnival held over five days in Queensland.
Essing skippered his side to the Division 2 premiership, with Vic Country dropping just one of its games, against New South Wales, and improving as the week progressed.
It was the Pakenham local’s sixth time playing at the annual carnival, and second successive year as co-captain.
“I was very humbled to be co-captain,” Essing said.
“It’s helped me as a person confidence-wise and being social.
“There were some boys who wouldn’t speak to anyone at the start of the week and by the end of the week they were speaking to everyone, so it was great to see boys find confidence and socialise more.
“It’s given me that opportunity to become more confident and I’m honoured to lead such a special group on a big stage.
“The biggest thing is that we just have fun.
“It was incredible.
“I learnt so much from the carnival and it was an incredible experience.
“It’s a wonderful week and it’s like a tight-knit family and you’re doing it playing the best sport in the world.”
Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder aged three, Essing highlighted the carnival as an important initiative to assist the personal development of people living with a disability and allow them to get involved in Australian Rules football.
The AFL Open Inclusion Carnival is an annual representative competition for participants aged 16+ with intellectual impairments.
It allows Australia’s top footballers to represent their state or territory, while showcasing their significant abilities to the broader community.
The event sees two teams of 12 compete on the field, with four on the bench.
It follows traditional Australian Football rules and is classified under Sport Inclusion Australia, meaning players must meet guidelines to ensure the integrity of the game is upheld.
Although football is the key focus of the event, players also develop other skills through a series of education sessions, clinics with local special schools, and living away from home for the week.
The aim of the event is to develop footballers into well-rounded role models within their community.
“The AFL has supported it very well,” Essing said.
“It’s such an eventful week and learning curve which is what it’s all about – everyone gets an opportunity regardless of who you are or what disability you have.
“A lot of boys look up to the AFL and think they will never be able to play footy at the highest level but this inclusion carnival gives us something to aspire to.”
An inside midfielder and lifelong Geelong fan, Essing looks up to Joel Selwood and models his game on the Cats premiership player.
“I idolise his courage and leadership, he’s such a fantastic person, the way he carries himself on and off the field is impressive,” Essing said.
“I’m not fast or quick but I give 110 per cent.”
