Sam Maraldo with quick hands under pressure.

Twice during the 2025 VWFL Season, Richmond have gotten the better of Collingwood. But the Pies saved their best performance for last.


Matching stride-for-stride with the reigning premiers in a nail-biting preliminary final, the Senior side matched the Tigers’ intensity and refused to let the scoreboard blow out in the first quarter, as it had in their previous encounters.

Back in Round 8, the Tigers had coasted to a 68-point victory.

In Round 3, it was the Tigers again by 52-points.

This time around, the Pies gave themselves the best chance at breaking the Richmond hoodoo in a high octane, back-and-forth contest that would make those with front row seats at Wimbledon envious of missing out on.

The Magpies kept the battle within two goals for the entire match, and the contest was defined by ruck giant Martyn Ford, who dominated hit-outs and was able to out-body most of his opponents.

Ford’s tireless work opened space for the forwards and midfield brigade, keeping the Pies well and truly in the hunt.

Down back, the travelling Tasmanian Josh Christian was a defensive rock with the task of keeping the league’s most dangerous forward, Chris Kotsanas (3) at bay.

Brad Axford provided the composure Collingwood needed under pressure. Controlling possession with clean disposals and assisting the defenders to keep the Tigers to just six goals for the match.

Despite the heroics, their inaccuracy proved costly.

The Magpies went down by just 7 points — a bitter pill to swallow after an outstanding performance against the reigning Premiers.

It was a valiant effort that spoke volumes about the team’s growth and the Senior side will finish the 2025 VWFL season with their pride intact.

Arnold Razon in action during the Richmond v Collingwood 2025 VWFL preliminary final.

 

Community Division

If there’s ever a player determined to drag their team over the line, it’s Arnold Razon.

The dynamic forward put on a masterclass performance, scoring five goals during the Community Division’s preliminary final against Essendon.

Razon’s clinical offensive work kept the margin always within reach, but ultimately the Bombers held firm to win by 13 points.

Despite both Wheelchair Magpies divisions ending in heartbreak, 2025 recruits Michael Telban and Kylie Prestwich provided more reasons for optimism by consistently impressing the team in their first-ever seasons in the sport, and hinting at a bright future ahead. 

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.