From quiet nine-year-old to NSW captain -- Damon's Sports 4 All AFL journey

Ten years ago, a quiet nine-year-old walked into his first Sports 4 All session. This weekend he's leading NSW onto the ground at the 2026 Toyota AFL Open as team captain, five-time All-Australian, and the person younger players look up to.

AFL NSW/ACT has released a short film about Damon's journey, featuring our Director of Sport and Recreation Greg Brown. It's a reminder of why this work matters: not for the trophies or the stats, but for what sport does for a person over a decade.

Watch Damon's story

Watch on Facebook

AFL NSW/ACT short film featuring NSW captain Damon and Sports 4 All Director Greg Brown. Approx 3 minutes.

Damon's path

Damon came to Sports 4 All after switching from soccer at age nine. In his own words:

I wanted to play my best football based on my abilities and I wanted to be tough, faster and stronger.

Greg remembers it differently: "He was such a quiet, lovely boy, but he let his AFL do the talking."

What started as a weekly training session became a pathway. Damon has captained NSW since 2018. He's now a five-time All-Australian. And he's using the platform to bring other young athletes with him.

He delivers a fantastic pre-game pump-up speech. Whether it's a loss or a win, he's really motivating. He's quite the role model for some of the younger players to look up to.

-- Teammate

The 2026 Toyota AFL Open

AFL Open is the national inclusive AFL competition. This year's event runs 12 to 14 October at La Trobe University Sports Precinct in Bundoora, Victoria. All matches stream live on AFL.com.au, Kayo Sports and Kayo Freebies.

Damon leads NSW into the tournament this weekend.

What Greg says about the pathway

If you're going to go down this pathway and you're going to make sport your life, then you have to totally commit. He's been blessed with skills, he's always had a beautiful left foot. Now in 2026, here he is leading the team.

Damon put it his own way:

To be part of a community for almost 10 years has been an amazing experience. Having a good time is just one of the most positive feelings. It made me want to play football even more.

Inclusive sport, no barriers

Greg's framing of what Sports 4 All stands for:

Everyone should have the opportunity. This competition creates opportunities for these people.

That's the whole thing. Location, ability, age -- none of it should stop someone being part of what they want to be part of.

Interested in AFL at Sports 4 All?

We deliver AFL in schools across NSW as part of our 8-week school program, and support athletes on the pathway to AFL Open and other representative competitions.

If you want to play, coach, or bring Sports 4 All into your school, get in touch.