The Wheelchair Magpies launched their 2026 VWFL campaign in extraordinary fashion, producing a last‑gasp Championship win over Essendon, and a spirited Community performance against the reigning premiers.
Championship Division
The defining moment came after the final siren, when Sam Maraldo calmly converted a clutch set shot to deliver Collingwood’s remarkable one-point victory.
The opportunity was created after captain Ben Jankovski snapped a crucial goal with 30 seconds left on the clock. Then, defender Will Crooks produced a desperate match‑saving spoil to keep the Pies within reach.
Collingwood surged forward in the last contest and were awarded a free disposal with only seconds remaining.
Maraldo was Collingwood’s leading goal scorer for the day, finishing with eight goals and the match-winner. Meanwhile, Crooks remained composed in the backline and made his opposition work hard to score.
VWFL - Championship Division
COLLINGWOOD 15.8 (98)
ESSENDON 15.7 (97)
Collingwood (Championship) won by one point.
GOALS:
COLLINGWOOD: Sam Maraldo (8), Ben Jankovski (3), Michael Telban (1)
ESSENDON: Caleb Logan (9), Christopher Henderson (6)
Community Division
Despite a smaller line‑up, the Pies’ effort could not be questioned.
The Community side faced a tough challenge against the 2025 VWFL reigning premiers but delivered a gutsy performance full of promising signs for the season ahead.
The highlight of the match came from centre Matthew Blunt, who demonstrated exceptional composure and vision throughout the entirety of the game.
Gathering cleanly under pressure, Blunt delivered a superb long handball from half-court to hit Andrew Paddle perfectly on the chest and become one of the best plays of the day.
Defender Tim O’Connor was also a standout, working tirelessly to push Essendon throughout the contest, and transition the ball forward.
The team-strong performance showcased plenty of upside as the season progresses.
Community Division
VWFL - Community Division
COLLINGWOOD 5.8 (38)
ESSENDON 8.6 (54)
Essendon (Community) won by 16 points.
GOALS:
COLLINGWOOD: Jack Elliott (4), Kylie Prestwich (1)
ESSENDON: Ben Milton (4), Kaleb Powell (2), Unknown (2)
The Victorian Wheelchair Football League (VWFL) provides Victorians with a physical disability the opportunity to play in a competitive and adaptive version of Australian Rules football.
WHEELCHAIR FOOTBALL Find out more on the team here.
