AFL Wheelchair
AFL Wheelchair is an adapted version of the great game, that gives people with and without disability the opportunity to play.
The sport is supported on a national level in a partnership between the AFL and Disability Sport Australia.
The game is played between two teams of five, plus interchange players, on a rectangular indoor court divided into thirds with portable goal posts at either end of the field. Scoring is identical to traditional AFL: six points for a goal, one point for a behind.
There is no kicking of the ball. A handball is equivalent to a kick (for example if marked, play stops) and an underarm throw is equivalent to a handball (for example the ball is ‘in play’ and the player who receives an underarm throw can be ‘tackled’). Many strategies in the traditional game apply to the wheelchair version.
Partnership with AFL Victoria
We have a formal partnership with AFL Victoria to expand the sport of AFL Wheelchair in Victoria. This important partnership will open this exciting, accessible and inclusive sport to more people with disability.
AFL Victoria is responsible for governing AFL Wheelchair in Victoria, while we are an AFL Club team partner.
Robert Rose Foundation Victorian Wheelchair Football League
The Robert Rose Foundation Victorian Wheelchair Football League (VWFL) is the first state-wide AFL Wheelchair competition in Australia.
The league focuses on promoting social inclusion and allowing more Victorians to enjoy the benefits of physical activity.
The ten-round competition will run between May and August, with the Grand Final to be played in September during the AFL Bye-Round.
You can find the competition fixture and results on the VWFL website.
Five teams will take part in the competition.
Meet the teams
How to get involved
AFL Wheelchair is an inclusive sport. We welcome people with physical disability or mobility issues, of all genders, to get involved. The VWFL is also inclusive of people without disability who want to give it a try.
If you’re interested in being part of the VWFL or learning AFL Wheelchair skills, expressions of interest are now open for the 2019 season. The EOI is open to players, coaches, umpires and volunteers.
You don’t need any previous experience, but if you have any questions about trying AFL Wheelchair for the first time, contact our Manager, Sport and Recreation – Ayden Shaw.
Wondering what happens at AFL Wheelchair open skills sessions?
Our friends Andrew Phillip Stasiak and Red captured all the action at one of last year’s session.
It’s fast. It’s fun. It’s for everyone.
Read the transcript for the AFL Wheelchair open skills session video
When we hit the half way mark of the inaugural season of the Robert Rose Foundation Victorian Wheelchair Football League in 2018, we asked the Essendon and St Kilda captains how they were feeling about their teams’ development and performance.
Massive thanks to Andrew Phillip Stasiak for capturing these honest moments.