The Townsville National Carnival is over and done with for 2019 and there was a few huge takeaways for the WA teams and all of AFLMWA.  The exciting news is that the carnival is coming to Perth in 2020 and there will be more on that in other pages soon or follow the direct link on our website "Perth2020".

Equally exciting was with the WA 45's side, a team that last year struggled through 3 losses.  In 2019 however, they were the standout WA side and could do no wrong - winning all 3 games and taking home the national title! 

Game 1 was a good hit out against a genuine Tasmanian side on the picturesque AFL approved ground at Riverway Stadium and took the 4 points, winning 9.8 to 4.7.

Game 2 and the boys headed out to Murray Sporting Complex to take on the home side.  The Queenslanders were always going to struggle against a WA side with more swagger than Fireman Sam after saving a kitten and ran away with the game quicker than Chief Wiggum runs away with doughnuts. Final score was Qld 0.4 to W.A. 10.10

The last game of the carnival saw WA take on the heavy weights in Vic Metro, a side that is never easy to beat.  Returning to Riverway Stadium and playing the equal top side meant WA had to bring their best to the game and that's exactly what they did.  Coach Rob Steel had full faith in the boys and said before the game: "I have full faith in you boys." Some more coaching inspiration followed by some serious perspiration and an incredibly selfless game style that the entire group stuck to, saw the boys kick away early and hold Vic Metro out 10.5 to 2.7.

Starting ruckman and State Chairman, Nathan Dixon, couldn't have been more proud to play with the guys. "It was a stellar performance from the coach (fellow AFLMWA Board member, Rob Steel) and all the guys.  Not just today but for the whole the carnival."  The coach was particulary pleased with the way the guys performed together and made special mention of the bond that is now formed with the group.  "You'll go back and play club footy against each other and forever and a day will be able to walk across the ground after the game and talk about how good this is - no one can ever take this away from you!"

From all the AFLMWA family, well done to the 45's - National Champions!!