As 18 AFL teams and thousands of local clubs around the country enter the middle stages of their quest for premiership glory this season, two Grand Finals have already been decided.

The 2016 Unity Cup was held last month with more that 4,000 people turning out to watch 16 male teams and ten female teams battle it out.

The tournament is a round robin AFL 9’s competition.

The Unity Cup celebrates diversity and looks to cut down language and cultural barriers through sport.

With David Zaharakis a keen observer, Essendon fielded a male and a female team; both playing under the Bharat Bombers title.

After just falling short last season, the boys’ team won the Division Two title.

“We’re really excited to be part of this program,” Essendon Community Programs Manager Bernard Shepheard said.

“It’s held in a really safe and friendly environment and the participants get so much out of it.

“There is a strong Indian presence throughout the north-west corridor of Melbourne which is right at our doorstep.

“Given our size and standing we have a responsibility to ensure we engage with our local community and the Unity Cup is a great way of using football to build confidence and relationships.”

The successful Bharat Bombers mens team.

The Bharat Bombers female team and Coach Amandeep Singh.