WA Italian Team Of The CenturyWednesday, January 24, 2024 - 10:48 AM

Premierships heroes, Sandover Medallists and WA Football Hall of Famers are among the nominees for the inaugural Western Australian Italian Team of the Century.

The landmark initiative, supported by all WAFL clubs and the WA Football Commission, recognises the outstanding contributions that players of Italian heritage have made to the WAFL, AFL and VFL.

50 of the state's most decorated players are in contention to be named in the side which will be announced at a gala function in May.

The list includes four Sandover Medallists, five All Australian representatives, five WA Football Hall of Famers and more than 20 players who reached 200 matches in their careers.

Peter Gangemi, Chairman of the WA Italian Team of the Century, is delighted with the list of 50 nominees.

"The quality of the contenders is a shining example of the contribution Italians have made to our great game," Gangemi said.

"Our motto for this project is one hundred years, two lands, one game, one team."

The selection panel, including WAFL Coach Coordinator Tony Micale, former AFL footballer Ron Alexander, and former AFL commentator, player and coach Dennis Cometti, will choose the 18 team players (including captain) in positional order, with five Interchange players and one coach.

WA ITALIAN TEAM OF THE CENTURY CONTENDERS
 

WAFL clubs South Fremantle and West Perth have nine representatives each on the list, while the West Coast Eagles have 10 players who have worn the blue and gold in at least one match.

Among the 50 nominees are four members of the Matera family.

In an extraordinary football feat brothers Wally, Peter and Phil Matera have been joined in the squad by Wally's son Brandon.

The gala event will be held at Optus Stadium on Thursday, May 16 from 7pm, bringing together the football community, supporters and the wider public to celebrate the achievements of these extraordinary players.

For ticketing enquiries head to marketing@waitalianclub.com

Proceeds from the event will be donated to Telethon.