Community and Northern Star support WA players heading to AFL Open
Community supporters and Principal Partner Northern Star have helped raise $90,562 and fill more than 12,000 virtual seats, ensuring Western Australian players with disability can travel to compete at the AFL Open in Melbourne in October 2026.
The Western Australia All Abilities Football Association (WAAAFA) launched the $5 Virtual Seat campaign during the AFL Origin game, inviting supporters to purchase a symbolic seat to help cover travel and accommodation costs for WA athletes attending the national championships.
The initiative encouraged the community to help “fill the stadium” virtually, with each seat representing a contribution towards getting a WA player on a plane to represent their state.
Community supporters purchased 6,112 virtual seats, raising $30,562 through grassroots donations from individuals, families and supporters of inclusive football across Western Australia.
Following the strong community response, WAAAFA’s Principal Partner Northern Star strengthened the campaign by purchasing 12,000 additional seats, contributing $60,000 and doubling the impact of the initiative.
WAAAFA Executive Officer Hayden Marchetto said the campaign demonstrated the strength of community support behind inclusive football in Western Australia.
“The AFL Origin game gave us the perfect opportunity to highlight what lies ahead for our players, the chance to represent Western Australia at the AFL Open next year.
The Virtual Seat campaign is about making sure every player who earns selection has the opportunity to get there.
We are incredibly grateful to the community and to Northern Star for helping make this possible. Their support ensures our players can focus on representing WA with pride.”
For many athletes, selection in the WA squad represents the highest honour of their football journey, and for some players it will be their first opportunity to travel interstate as part of a representative team.
The AFL Open is the national championships for players with disability, bringing together teams from across Australia and showcasing the continued growth and impact of inclusive Australian Rules Football.
Funds raised through the Virtual Seat campaign will directly support WA athletes travelling to the event, helping cover the essential costs of flights, accommodation and support staff required to enable participation.
