The Robert Rose Foundation Victorian Wheelchair Football League is back in 2019, with more players ready to make their mark.
Currently in its second year, the Robert Rose Foundation Victorian Wheelchair Football League is a modified version of Australian Football played on an indoor basketball court.
Forty-four players took part in the 2019 Draft Combine at Borondoora Sports Complex over the weekend. Delivered by Global Performance Testing Australia, the draft was designed to replicate AFL testing protocols, modified for wheelchair users. View the Draft Combine clip here.
Head of AFL Victoria Ricky Bell said the Robert Rose Foundation Victorian Wheelchair Football League is a great opportunity for wheelchair users to experience football in an elite environment.
“As a sport, we are aiming to provide opportunities for everyone in the community to participate in our great game and we look forward to seeing the league progress into its second year,” Mr Bell said.
The sport of AFL Wheelchair is fully inclusive, meaning people with and without a physical disability or impairment are welcome to play. Although the sport is played on an indoor basketball court, and a handball is the equivalent of a kick, many of the traditional Australian Football rules still apply.
With increasing interest in the Robert Rose Foundation Victorian Wheelchair Football League, AFL Victoria aims to work closely with each AFL Club and Disability Sport & Recreation, to provide community engagement and participation opportunities to grow and develop the sport of AFL Wheelchair in Victoria.
Key Statistics
- 50 players in total drafted for the upcoming season
- 8 female players drafted
- 13 new participants joined the competition
- 59% of returning participants remained on the same team following the draft
- 86% of participants identify as having a physical disability or impairment
The five teams taking part in the competition include Collingwood, Essendon, Hawthorn, Richmond and St Kilda.
Round 1 of the 2019 VWFL season will take place at Boroondara Sports Complex on Sunday 12 May.
- CLICK HERE to view the 2019 VWFL Squad List
- CLICK HERE to view the 2019 Invacare Wheelchair Aussie Rules National Championships Victorian Squad List
Article originally published on March 6, 2019 4:49 pm courtesy of AFL Victoria.
Last Modified on 17/04/2019 20:59
