The Mooroopna spinner has been rewarded for his consistency and craft with selection in Victoria’s Intellectual Disability squad for the 2026 National Cricket Inclusion Championships, to be held in Western Australia from January 12–16.
This time, the bright lights shift west, with matches played across Perth and Mandurah, and Ford will again pull on the Big V as part of a side chasing an extraordinary sixth consecutive national title.
Victoria heads into the five-day tournament as the reigning champion in the Intellectual Disability competition, and for Ford — who has Asperger’s Syndrome and was involved in the past three campaigns — the stage is one he excels on.
He famously announced himself in unforgettable fashion during his debut carnival, producing a hat-trick in a national final to help Victoria lift silverware.
Ford also took 13 wickets in his state’s most recent tilt - including three in the final - and at club level, Ford continues to be a reliable and respected figure across Mooroopna’s lower grades.
His leg-spin has claimed 13 victims so far this season for the Cats, and he no doubt be hoping to translate that shimmering club form into another national grail when donning the Big V this week.
Ford is one of 14 players selected in the Victorian Intellectual Disability squad, which will again be led by captain Lachlan Macrae and coached by Adam Eddy.
The squad features a blend of proven performers and emerging talent, including new squad member Tyler Vanderwert, who was rapt to share the platform with bona fide stars such as Ford.
“It’s a great honour to represent Victoria and be part of a squad with such sustained success and talented players,” Vanderwert said.
“I’ve been playing cricket since I was five, back in the days of ‘Milo Cricket’, so reaching the next stage of my playing career is incredibly special and I’m grateful for the opportunity.”
“We’re really looking forward to travelling to Perth and competing against outstanding players from across the country.”
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