A Collingwood vs Richmond Grand Final.

It’s happening… on wheels.

With both clubs on the eve of blockbuster AFL finals campaigns, the rivalry will cross into wheelchair football on Sunday in the Robert Rose Foundation VWFL Grand Final.

On a weekend free of AFL action, the Boroondara Sports Complex is expected to be at capacity as the inaugural premiers are crowned.

And the Magpies are hot favourites.

An undefeated season has left the team led by captain-coach Brendan Stroud in top position ahead of the big finale. Stroud is confident, but aware that Richmond will be ready and willing to play a physical game of football.

“Each team is starting to get closer and closer and closer to us,” he told Collingwood Media.

“We’ve got to be on our game. We expect a tough game physically and mentally.”

Although wheelchair football is in it’s infancy at a state-league level, the Collingwood team features no shortage of experience.

The squad is stacked with international talent, whether it be in a playing or coaching capacity.

“I think what we’ve got over the Richmond team is that we’ve got Paralympic gold medallists and a Paralympic gold medal coach,” Stroud said.

“That experience certainly helps in trying to combat any jitters that come into finals.”

While Stroud himself is expected to star, forward Richard Amon may be the one to watch against the Tigers.

Amon scored seven goals in Collingwood’s round 10 win over Richmond, and has a team-leading total of 46 majors for the season.

The argument to attend Sunday’s Grand Final is an intriguing one – the real possibility of silverware finding its way back to the Holden Centre, and a guarantee on genuine entertainment.

“The Grand Final is where we’re going to come out fully hard,” Stroud assured the Magpie faithful.

“I don’t think Richmond will have enough experience to go against us.”

FREE ENTRY: Click here to register for tickets to Sundays VWFL decider.



Opposing captains get their first feel for the VWFL premiership cup.