New Talent On Display at Nicky Winmar Carnival/Kirby Bentley CupMonday, October 9, 2023 - 12:16 PM

More than 240 players representing 14 teams will participate in the Nicky Winmar Carnival and Kirby Bentley Cup at UWA Sports Park in Mount Claremont this Sunday.

Eight sides are expected to line up for the Nicky Winmar Carnival in the 18-a-side competition, while six teams are expected to take their place in the Kirby Bentley Cup as part of the 12-a-side event.

Players have been aligned to their respective WAFL/WAFLW zones for the Carnival based on their registration.

Naomi Baker, Programs Officer at the West Australian Football Commission, confirmed 160 male players are set to play on the day along with 80 female participants.

“The carnival aims to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth within the community, providing them the opportunity to showcase their skills, celebrate culture and connect with the talent pathway, but also encourage them to stay connected and involved in WA football,” Baker said.

The event also provides players with the chance to mix with players from higher levels of football.

“It’s an important fixture on the football calendar because we want to keep these players involved in the football pathway and carnivals like these promote more exposure and opportunities, which is super exciting,” she said.

“It also allows participants to connect to current players in the WAFL/WAFLW competition, which allows them to gain valuable insight on what the future could look like for them.”

Jade Narkle, Aboriginal & Diversity Programs Specialist at the WAFC, believes the event is a great learning curving for those involved.

“Most teams will be coached on the day by our Rio Tinto Scholarship winners, who play Colts or Rogers Cup for their WAFL/WAFLW club or who have also previously come up through the Nicky Winmar Carnival/Kirby Bentley Cup,” Narkle said.

“With the Nicky Winmar Carnival launched in 2007 and the Kirby Bentley Cup in 2014, there’s now history and tradition being built around the event.”

Nicky Winmar Teams – C, EP, EF, PT, P, SF, SD, WP

Kirby Bentley Teams – C, PT, P, SF, SD, WP

The Nicky Winmar Carnival was launched in 2007 and the Kirby Bentley Cup was established in 2014.

The Nicky Winmar Carnival begins at 8.45am, followed by the Kirby Bentley Cup at 1.30pm.

Nicky Winmar Carnival Website: https://www.nwcarnival.com.au/

Kirby Bentley Cup Website: https://www.kbcup.com.au/