Team Fiji won the award for the AFL Value of Play Fair at the 2025 Unity Cup. Image: Chris Powney (Field of View Sports Photography)
AFL Victoria is proud to have hosted another successful Unity Cup last weekend, celebrating culture, connection and community through the game we all love.
The 2025 Unity Cup was played on Sunday 19 October at Monash University in Clayton, and featured teams representing a range of cultures, including Indian, Sri Lankan, Pacific Islanders, Chinese, Bangladehsi and several African cultures.
There were over 200 participants involved this year, as well as friends and families who participated as spectators and joined in the cultural celebrations.
Participants were welcomed to the day with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony performed by Bunurong Land Council.
Throughout the day, there was cultural entertainment by Indigenous Outreach Projects & FEI Ying Dragon & Lion Dance Association.
At the conclusion of the carnival, team performances are celebrated with awards aligned to the AFL Values of Play as One Team, Play Fair, Play with Passion and Play to Win.
Congratulations to the following award winning teams at the 2025 Unity Cup:
- Play as One Team: Bihar & Jharkand Sabha Melbourne Victoria (BJSM Vic) (Open-Age)
- Play fair: Team Fiji (Open-Age)
- Play with passion: Multicultural Youth Group (Youth)
- Play to win: Team Pasifika (Youth)
About the Unity Cup
The Unity Cup is carnival event organised by AFL Victoria that brings together culturally diverse communities to play and celebrate footy together.
Teams participating are mainly formed from social engagements and connections, through community groups, organisations and through relationships that AFL Victoria have through its participation and engagement initiatives.
Teams at the Unity Cup play the modified version of Aussie Rules known as AFL Nines — nine-a-side, non-contact, more inclusive and accessible version of the game, allowing for people of all skill levels and experiences to play together and bond over footy.