Three Pies to make National Wheelchair Championships debut

14 Oct 2022

Collingwood congratulates VWFL Captain Ben Jankovski, Will Crooks and Brian Owens on their selection in the Victorian side ahead of the 2022 Wheelchair AFL National Championships to be played next month.

The trio will make their National Championships debut in November and will form part of the squad of 19.

A 2021 VWFL premiership player, Jankovski was appointed Captain of Collingwood’s VWFL team earlier this year and after an outstanding season was crowned the team’s Best and Fairest.

Originally a wheelchair basketballer, Crooks made his AFL wheelchair debut this season having been picked up by the Pies as a mid-season recruit. 

Owens is a 2021 VWFL premiership player and has been a part of the Pies’ wheelchair program for several seasons.

Collingwood’s Community manager Liz Dunne congratulated the trio on their amazing achievement.

“On behalf of Collingwood, I’d like to congratulate Ben, Will and Brian on their selection in the Victorian team,” Dunne said.

“It is a huge testament to not only their talent, but to their dedication and commitment both on and off the court. All three players should be extremely proud of their selection, and we look forward to cheering them on at the Championships next month.”

The National Wheelchair Championships will be held from November 22 to 25 at the newly opened Diamond Valley Sports and Fitness Centre and will be broadcasted live via Kayo. 

l