The Saints will be hellbent on going one better in the second instalment of the Robert Rose Foundation Victorian Wheelchair Football League (VWFL).
In their inaugural season in 2018, the Saints charged home in the second half of the season, just missing out on a spot in the Grand Final.
SAINTS FINISH STRONG: Saints come close in inaugural VWFL comp
But led again by captain Marcus Sander, the new-look Saints line-up is ready to launch into a new season and challenge for the premiership.
A Federal Police Officer for 25 years, Sander has been at the forefront of the sport since its inception, and his dominance in 2018 was rewarded with selection in the VWFL Team of the Year.
The VWFL sees two teams of five players each take to a basketball court, with a handball the equivalent to a kick and an underarm throw comparable to a handball, as per traditional AFL.
The 10-round competition will run between May and September, with the Grand Final to be played in September during the AFL Bye-Round.
Joining St Kilda once again in the competition are AFL clubs Collingwood, Essendon, Hawthorn and Richmond.
Head of AFL Victoria Ricky Bell said the success of the inaugural season gives an indication that we are achieving our vision of being the most accessible sport for all Victorians.
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“Season 2018 was a huge year in football for people with a disability, with the launch of the Robert Rose Foundation Victorian Wheelchair Football League,” Bell told AFL.com.au.
“This year, we have already seen more people participating in the sport through our Open Skills Session and the VWFL Draft Combine which was made possible by Global Performance Testing Australia.
“Our achievements would not have been possible without the support of the Robert Rose Foundation and Disability Sport and Recreation.
“The sport of AFL Wheelchair has now grown far beyond our expectations and we are excited to see the continued success of the VWFL.”
The VFWL competition is open to anyone with either a physical disability or a mobility issue.
