THE 2024 VWFL regular season is complete and now Magpies head into the business end with finals getting underway in two week’s time.
On Sunday, the curtains on the 2024 Robert Rose Foundation Victorian Wheelchair Football League season came to a close, and the Collingwood wheelchair squad finished on a high following a 153-point defeat of Hawthorn.
But with a Finals campaign looming - they’re only just warming up.
A well-oiled machine
Up forward, the team is balanced with three powerhouses in the overall league top-eight goal scorers – the most of any other side in the competition. It’s the side-by-side philosophy that has Collingwood placed in a solid position going into Finals and their collective fire power will be hard for their opponents to stop.
Patrick McKay, 49 Goals (fifth overall)
Ben Jankovski, 32 Goals (equal sixth overall)
Anthony Perito, 32 Goals (equal sixth overall)
Recent form
It's been a rollercoaster season in the VWFL, marked by 10 rounds featuring two byes, three losses, and five wins.
After a dip in form with back-to-back losses to St Kilda and Richmond in Rounds Eight and Nine, the resounding 153-point victory against the Hawks in Round 10 provided a much-needed boost.
Timing is going to be crucial for a shot at the Premiership.
Inside the huddle
Aside from timing, another key ingredient to winning a Premiership is team chemistry. Led by player and coach Andrew Paddle, the squad are closer than ever.
“It’s been a really good year, it’s a great group and we’re so close. It’s a real big family so it’s amazing, “ Paddle said.
In a sport where community and inclusivity prevail, it’s a sentiment that runs deep throughout all corners of the team. No matter who you speak to, they all seem to be on the same wavelength.
“We’re pretty competitive on (the court) – even at training we get into each other. But off (the court), we’re the best mates. It’s really, really good,” says defender Martyn Ford.
“It’s a really good inclusive sport and everyone is more than just player to player relationship – we’re like family. The Collingwood community really embrace us,” Ford said.
If teams win games on chemistry alone, the wheelchair team would be undefeated.
Off-field support from fans also plays a crucial role in a team's success. It’s the collective energy that reinforces a team's identity and resilience.
Skipper Ben Jankovski plays a massive role in leading the pack from the front and inspiring from within, but despite this, he knows it takes more than determination and on-court performance to win games.
“It’s been a while since we’ve tasted success in the wheelchair team so we’re really looking to go one step further this year,” Jankovski said.
“We’ve fallen short across a few prelims over the last few coming years. We’re going to need all the support we can get, Magpie Army. Please get around us, send us your love and we’ll get the job done.”
