AFL Unity Cup – GWSC ‘Multicultural Magpies’

Now in its eighteenth year, the AFL decided to run this amazing carnival for the very first time out at Monash University, Clayton on Sunday the 19th of October, 2025. Although the school’s version of the AFL Unity Cup program was postponed until next year, select GWSC students were invited by the Collingwood Football Club to come together and form three GWSC ‘Multicultural Magpies’ teams to play in the ‘Community’ version of the carnival. Our three teams played a modified version of our indigenous game, called AFL 9’s, against fellow youth sides from different CALD communities all over Victoria. More than 150 participants competed fiercely but fairly in two different divisions on the day of the carnival.

It was terrific to see that our GWSC 'Multicultural Magpies' teams were once again the most multicultural and linguistically diverse out of all sides, with students from 12 different cultural backgrounds coming together, side-by-side! We also had the largest percentage of female participation out of all teams competing (~42% overall), whilst also having the highest number of female players taking to the field...with 18 girls playing across our three mixed AFL 9s teams. Additionally, we had the highest number of coaches and staff supporters (11) who were themselves from 5 different CALD backgrounds. We’re also really happy to report that we had the highest number of female coaches at the AFL Unity Cup carnival, providing not only our students, but also the wider community, with a further reminder that footy is for everyone!

Our three GWSC ‘Multicultural Magpies’ AFL 9’s teams had an absolute blast on the day of the carnival, as they engaged with a multitude of cultural education programs, participated in activations and performances alongside a range of CALD community organisations, whilst also having a crack at the longest kick competition during the lunch break! Speaking of lunch…. all of our players and coaches enjoyed a nutritious souvlaki and sweet Turkish Delight, tucked into free ice creams and doughnuts, then washed it all down with a soft drink or two. They were also given personalised ‘high performance’ footy guernseys from ISC, in black and white of course, that they got to keep! 

Updates from around the grounds..... All of our AFL 9’s games were played in the correct spirit, with some highly entertaining and skilful teamwork on display from our GWSC ‘Multicultural Magpies’. Our GWSC Multicultural Magpies 'Black' side were undefeated for the day, whilst our 'White' squad and 'Black & White' team only had one narrow loss each for the day against some very competitive teams (particularly from Werribee and the Pasifika).....More importantly...win, lose or draw; all three of our teams demonstrated exemplary sporting etiquette and respected their fellow opponents and umpires throughout the entire day.  

All of our students and staff coaches represented themselves and our college community so very well; demonstrating respect, understanding and fairness to all in attendance, both on and off the field. It was also fantastic to see so many of our GWSC students, staff and families out and about barracking for our teams; your constant encouragement from beyond the boundary line was amazing, inspiring and greatly appreciated. Special thanks to Mrs Suzanne Plant and Mr Daniel McGuire for coming along to the carnival to cheer on our AFL Unity Cup teams!

Kudos also to our Longest Kick Champion - Ryan Zambelli – who booted the skin off the Sherrin with a towering torp that touched down out past the 60-meter mark. For his troubles, Ryan took home a brand new Sherrin KB football, which he immediately passed onto his younger sister who is set to start playing club footy next year!  

Every single GWSC ‘Multicultural Magpies’ AFL 9’s player should be very proud of their endeavours during our training program and also on the day of the ‘AFL Unity Cup’ Carnival, a fantastic effort by all involved. Thank-you also to coaches and support staff who assisted our students throughout our training sessions and also at the 2025 AFL Unity Cup Carnival; providing them with coaching, inspiration, direction, first aid and support; your time and efforts were greatly appreciated by all. We would also like to acknowledge the following GWSC staff members who volunteered to help out with our 2025 AFL Unity Cup Program – Ms Andrea Roumeliotis, Miss Bonita Gu-Yang, Ms Jemma Burt, Ms Kristyn Preen, Miss Krystal Shaw, Mx Liam Calleja, Mr Tom Tapley, Mr Shaun Crotty and Mr Mark Robinson.  

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the AFL for inviting our college to once again participate in this special multicultural AFL program, as well as the Collingwood Football Club who kindly sponsored our 2025 ‘AFL Unity Cup’ program. Our students and staff have been very fortunate to be involved in a range of incredible experiences throughout the program this year, which were kindly organised by both organisations.

We can't wait to kick off our 2026 ‘AFL Unity Cup’ program at GWSC and hope to introduce even more of our students and their families to footy whilst welcoming them into the mighty Magpie Army! The ‘AFL Unity Cup’ is certain to be an even bigger and better celebration of many cultures playing one game, our game, of Australian Rules football!