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! This historic clash is just one of the many highlights in a tournament that promises to be a game-changer for Australian football.
CommBank Pararoos Head Coach Kai Lammert has unveiled his squad, blending youthful energy with seasoned experience, as they prepare to take on the best in Asia and Oceania. The team will gather at Valentine Sports Park in Sydney from November 8–11 for a pre-tournament training camp before heading to Surakarta City, Indonesia. The tournament kicks off on November 12 and runs until November 23, with matches held at UNS Stadium and Sriwedari Stadium.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Australia’s Group A placement alongside Indonesia and Japan has sparked debates about the group’s competitiveness. While Japan is a familiar foe from past tournaments, the Pararoos’ debut match against Indonesia adds an unpredictable twist. Group B, comprising Malaysia, Iran, Thailand, and South Korea, is equally formidable, setting the stage for intense competition.
Ranked 12th globally and second only to Iran in the Asian-Oceania Cup, the Pararoos are determined to climb higher. Last year’s 13th-place finish at the IFCPF World Cup in Spain was a learning curve, and this tournament marks their return to the international stage. And this is the part most people miss: their spirited run to the final in the 2023 Asian-Oceania Cup in Melbourne, where they narrowly lost 2–0 to Iran, showcased their potential to challenge the region’s best.
This year’s squad features 11 players from the 2023 World Cup, including veterans like David Barber, who continues his legendary career with over 100 caps for Australia. Barber’s enduring presence, combined with the recalls of Josh De Silva, Connor Bunce, and Tomas Scotti, underscores the team’s depth and ambition.
Coach Lammert expressed his enthusiasm: ‘We’re thrilled to be back on the international stage. The players and staff have been eagerly awaiting this moment. Our squad strikes a perfect balance between youth and experience, and having 11 World Cup veterans is a huge advantage. Adding players like Josh, Connor, and Tomas injects fresh energy into an already strong group.’
Here’s the bold question: Can the Pararoos go all the way and claim their first-ever Asian-Oceania title? With Iran, Japan, and Thailand raising the bar, every match will be a test of skill and determination. Lammert added, ‘Our goal is to play to our potential, stick to our strengths, and compete for a spot in the final. Qualifying for next year’s World Cup is our top priority, and we’re ready to give it our all.’
As the tournament approaches, the CommBank Pararoos are poised to make history. Will they rise to the challenge? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you think this squad has what it takes to bring home the title?
CommBank Pararoos Squad | 2025 IFCPF Asian-Oceania Cup in Indonesia
- 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)
IFCPF Asian-Oceania Cup in Indonesia
When: November 12–23, 2025
Where: Surakarta, Indonesia
