Sam was recently named in the NSW/ACT side to contest the AFL National Inclusion Carnival, which kicks off on Tuesday, June 18 in Launceston, Tasmania.

It’s the third year in a row that the product of the Bay and Basin Bombers Australian Football Club has been named in the inclusion team.

Sam said he was happy to be selected for the team.

“We have fun at the carnival and we also make good friends,” he said

The 19-year-old loves the team environment and at previous carnivals, he enjoyed staying with people he now regards as part of his football family.

Last year Sam’s NSW/ACT team came second and the year before they came fourth.

Sam is looking forward to taking his place up near the goals.

“I love being in the forwards and love kicking goals because it’s fun,” Sam said.

Last year he got to captain the team for one game.

The carnival is an opens competition, with players aged 16 and over taking part.

Win, lose or draw, Sam is always one of the first blokes to go up and shake hands with the opposition players.

The proud Bomber still plays each Sunday for the now merged Bay and Basin/Bomaderry under 17s side.

The power forward is now going into his eighth year of playing football and has no intention of giving the game away.

The word team comes up many times when you speak to Sam.

“I like to show my teammates how much passion I have,” he said

He also likes to encourage his teammates.

Sam’s dad Chris is coach of his local team, while Bay and Basin Bomber stalwart Phil Kennedy also played a strong role in Sam’s development.

“Phil coached Sam for about seven years and had a tremendous role in Sam’s development,” Chris said.

Chris added Sam was the type of player all teams needed.

“I think Sam demonstrates that you never give up and no matter what your ability is, you just keep trying and give your best,” Chris said.

Chris said passion and enthusiasm were definite attributes Sam brought  to his team

The former St John the Evangelist student, when he is not running around the football field, works at the Huskisson Bakery and Wild Ginger.

The AFL National Inclusion Carnival is an annual carnival for male players with an intellectual disability from across the country.

The week-long carnival not only gives some of Australia’s most talented footballers the chance to represent their state/territory but it is also an opportunity to showcase the significant abilities of footballers with an intellectual disability to the broader community.

MOre than 100 men will be attending the carnival represent their state and territories.

AFL NSW/ACT has selected 16 players to take part in the carnival.

The team will play 10 games over five days for the chance to compete in the grand final on Saturday, June 23 at UTAS Oval, which will act as the curtain raiser to the Hawthorn and Gold Coast AFL match.