With no bench rotations, and just five players on the court from siren to siren, Collingwood’s VWFL Championship Division showed grit and determination despite falling short on the scoreboard.
Playing 100% of game time, Brad Axford, Patrick McKay, Sam Maraldo, Anthony Perito and Will Crooks formed the ‘Iron Five’ during the Wheelchair Magpies’ 26-point loss to St Kilda.
Forward Patrick McKay played in the centre for much of the match, working hard to ensure the Magpies were able to stay competitive and within arm’s reach.
Will Crooks’ ability to predict where the ball would land from Pat’s ruck craftwas the team’s major generator for scoring opportunities and was crucial in the team’s intensity.
Crooks was relentless as an attacking defender. Taking on the challenge of balancing both his defensive work and creating chances for the Magpies’ forwards.
Meanwhile, Sam Maraldo also dominated with a season-best nine goal performance.
In moments when it looked like Collingwood needed a swing of momentum, Maraldo was there to score from half-court distances at times to keep the Pies within reach.
The Wheelchair Magpies fought hard until the very end but were ultimately outmuscled by the Saints.
The Senior side complete Round 5 sitting third on the 2025 VWFL Championship Division ladder, behind Richmond and St Kilda.
Community Division
The Community Division lacked their usual goal-scoring firepower against St Kilda, falling short by 14-points at RSEA Park and suffering their first defeat of the 2025 Victorian Wheelchair Football Season.
Defender Troy Hawkins’ work rate was a standout — taking kick-ins before pushing up to win the ball back through the middle. Hawkins was central to many of the team’s forward movements and scoring opportunities.
Alex McKay was also very handy in defence, with arguably the toughest role of the day.
McKay’s display of leadership with her never-give-up-attitude was admirable, as she fought hard in the match-up with the Saints’ key forward, Trent Johnson.
Recruit Michael Telban is on track to be the pick-up of the season.
Telban’s ability to compete in the ruck, and predict where the ball will land gave our forwards the best chance to score, and was rotated to the forward line in the final quarter to score the Pies’ only goal for the match.
The Community side complete Round 5 of the 2025 VWFL Season sitting second on the ladder, behind Richmond.
Both Collingwood’s Wheelchair teams have the bye in Round 6 and will look to bounce back in the second half of the season against Hawthorn in Round 7.
