By Tara Murray
The Nations Footy Cup is back bigger and better than ever this year.
The event, which is being held at Diggers Rest Recreation Reserve on February 23, with at least 20 teams set to battle it out in the fifth edition of the event.
Co-owners Beejay Johnson and Michael Ogliaro said they were excited to see the event return to Diggers Rest, with upgrades to the ovals and facilities completed.
There will be five women’s teams and at least 15 men’s teams.
“We held our carnival here last year, and we were absolutely stoked to once again be hosting at this fantastic venue,” they said.
“The support from Melton council, especially local councillor John Verdon, the local footy and cricket clubs, and the community has been incredible, and we look forward to continuing to grow the Nations Footy Cup here for years to come.”
This year Timor-Leste joins the competition for the first time in the men’s competition, marking an exciting opportunity to showcase the incredible talent within this community and further highlight the growing diversity of the Nations Footy Cup.
The Team World men’s side has been revamped and will bring a fresh energy and talent to the competition.
They will be led by Western Bulldogs star Jamarra Ugle-Hagan as coach, whose experience and skill will be a huge asset to the team.
In the women’s competition, there will be the introduction of Team Italy which will be coached by Taylors Lakes women’s coach Joseph Antonetti.
Meanwhile, Albania returns to the competition after a short break and coach Amet Aliuvsko is confident his team has what it takes to make a serious impact this year.
Italy will have four teams this year.
Team Australia women’s coach Ron Sikora, who has coached the side since the start, will again be in charge of the team.
Former Geelong player and Sunbury resident Abbey McDonald will be part of that team.
Hillside star forward Josh Covelli has been named Italy’s captain. He is coming off kicking 100 goals in the Essendon District Football League division 1 competition.
Josh Chatfield, who has signed full time at Deer Park will be representing Team World. He was formerly Footscray’s Victorian Football League side.
Other big names include Tom Baluch, who is known as Prime Train, who will captain the Allies, former Frankston VFL player and 18-year-old Noah Van Haren, who made his senior football debut at 15.
Johnson and Ogliaro said they were keen to keep growing the cup in the future.
“We want to select our best men’s and women’s teams and compete internationally against the likes of AFL USA or AFL Asia,” they said. “We also have plans to introduce a junior carnival to further develop the next generation of footy talent.
“We can’t wait to see what the future holds.”
Off the field, there will be plenty of activities off the field including jumping castles, face painting, and food.
Gates open at 8am.
