The Clontarf Foundation’s annual Australian Rules Interstate Challenge returned to Melbourne’s historic Victoria Park in November, bringing together top-performing academy members from across Australia for three days of football, leadership and connection.
Hosted in partnership with the Collingwood Football Club, the event saw 100 Clontarf boys represent Western Australia, Victoria, South Australia and the Northern Territory. The carnival celebrated teamwork and achievement while providing a valuable opportunity for participants to connect with peers, staff and partners from across the country.
Players were selected based on school attendance, attitude and participation in academy activities. Each earned their place through consistent effort both on and off the field.
The Challenge began with a welcome event and live draw at AFL Max, where teams met for the first time and took part in team-building activities. Matches were then played across two days at Victoria Park, supported by 150 volunteers from 20 corporate partners who assisted as umpires, scorers, timekeepers, water runners and event staff. Games were played in strong Clontarf spirit, hard but fair, with coaches and managers ensuring every boy had the opportunity to contribute.
A halftime performance from Clontarf alumni Prosper and Hundo Milli, both from Warrnambool Academy (VIC), added energy to the opening day. The second day began with a recovery session at the Northcote Aquatic and Recreation Centre before the Bronze and Grand Finals were contested. Western Australia claimed victory for the second consecutive year, defeating Victoria in a competitive decider, while the Northern Territory finished third. Keenan Rymer (WA) was awarded Best on Ground in the Grand Final.
That evening, participants attended the All-Australian Dinner at Collingwood’s AIA Vitality Centre, which included a tour of the club, guest speakers Leon Davis, Daniel Wells and Xavier Clarke, and the presentation of major awards. Tashaun Wright (VIC) was named the 2025 Gerard Neesham Medallist as player of the carnival, with State MVPs and Clontarf Spirit Award winners also recognised.
The 2025 All-Australian team was led by Head Coach Ash McGrath (WA) and Assistant Coach Kyle Stevens (VIC), with captains Luke Atkinson (VIC) and Keenan Rymer (WA).
Throughout the week, participants stayed at La Trobe University, experiencing aspects of campus life and developing independence away from home.
The success of this year’s Challenge was made possible through the support of Collingwood Football Club and the many corporate partners and volunteers who contributed their time and expertise. The event once again demonstrated how sport can bring people together while supporting education, employment and wellbeing outcomes for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men.
