Get ready for a thrilling showdown as the CommBank Pararoos gear up for the IFCPF Asian-Oceania Cup in Indonesia, but here’s where it gets exciting: they’re facing hosts Indonesia for the first time ever! Can they rise to the challenge and bring home their first-ever title?
CommBank Pararoos Head Coach Kai Lammert has unveiled his squad, blending youthful energy with seasoned experience, as they prepare to compete in Surakarta City, Indonesia, from November 12–23. The team will first gather at Valentine Sports Park in Sydney from November 8–11 for a pre-tournament training camp, fine-tuning their skills before the big stage. The matches will take place across UNS Stadium and Sriwedari Stadium, promising intense action for fans worldwide.
Following the draw on October 31, Australia landed in Group A alongside familiar rivals Japan and the host nation, Indonesia. While Japan is a known adversary from past tournaments, the clash with Indonesia adds a layer of unpredictability to the group stage. Group B, on the other hand, features powerhouses like Malaysia, Iran, Thailand, and South Korea, setting the stage for a fiercely competitive tournament.
And this is the part most people miss: Ranked 12th globally and second only to Iran in the Asian-Oceania region, the Pararoos are determined to build on their 13th-place finish at last year’s IFCPF World Cup in Spain. Their journey to the final of the 2023 Asian-Oceania Cup in Melbourne, where they narrowly lost 2–0 to Iran, showcased their resilience and potential. Now, with 11 World Cup veterans returning and the addition of recalled stars like Josh De Silva, Connor Bunce, and Tomas Scotti, the squad is more formidable than ever.
Among the standout players is Australian football legend David Barber, whose remarkable career spans over a century of caps in the green and gold. Since his debut against the Netherlands in 1999, Barber has cemented his legacy as the most-capped international men’s player in Australian football history, and he shows no signs of slowing down.
Coach Lammert expressed his enthusiasm for the tournament, stating, ‘We’re thrilled to be back on the international stage. The players and staff have been eagerly awaiting this moment since the World Cup in Spain. This squad strikes a perfect balance—we’re young, yet we have a core group of experienced players who understand the demands of this level. Having 11 players from last year’s World Cup squad is a huge advantage, and adding talents like Josh, Connor, and Tomas injects even more energy into our lineup.’
However, Lammert acknowledges the stiff competition ahead: ‘The quality of our opponents in Indonesia will be exceptionally high. Teams like Iran, Japan, and Thailand are setting new standards in our region, and we know we’ll need to be at our absolute best in every match. Our goal is to play to our full potential, showcase our unique style of football, and fight for a spot in the final. Securing a place in the final guarantees qualification for next year’s World Cup, and that’s our primary focus. If we stick to our strengths and maintain the belief we’ve built in previous camps, we’ll give ourselves the best chance to succeed.’
But here’s the controversial question: With Iran dominating the region and the Pararoos aiming for their first title, is Australia’s squad truly ready to dethrone the giants? Or will the pressure of facing Indonesia on their home turf prove too much? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
Here’s the full CommBank Pararoos squad for the 2025 IFCPF Asian-Oceania Cup:
- Rafferty Bacon (Football West)
- David Barber (Football QLD)
- Jeremy Boyce (Football NSW)
- Connor Bunce (Football West)
- Josh De Silva (Football West)
- Giacomo Izzo (Football West)
- Alessandro La Verghetta (Football West)
- Luc Launder (Capital Football)
- Taj Lynch (Football NSW)
- William McGrath (Football NSW)
- Augustine Murphy (Football NSW)
- Tomas Scotti (Football NSW)
- Christian Tsangas (Football Victoria)
- Kaylan van Heer (Football Victoria)
Mark your calendars for the IFCPF Asian-Oceania Cup in Indonesia, taking place from November 12–23, 2025, in Surakarta. Will the Pararoos make history? Only time will tell. Join the conversation and share your predictions!
