With no bench rotations, and just five players on the court from siren to siren, Collingwood’s VWFL Championship Division showed grit and determination despite falling short on the scoreboard.
Brad Axford, Patrick McKay, Sam Maraldo, Anthony Perito and Will Crooks formed the ‘Iron Five’ by playing 100% of game time during the Wheelchair Magpies’ 26-point defeat to St Kilda.
Forward Patrick McKay played in the centre for much of the match, working hard to ensure the Magpies were able to stay competitive and within arm’s reach.
Will Crooks’ ability to predict where the ball would land from Pat’s ruck craft was the team’s major generator for scoring opportunities and was crucial in the team’s intensity.
Crooks was relentless as an attacking defender. Taking on the challenge of balancing both his defensive work and creating chances for the Magpies’ forwards.
Meanwhile, Sam Maraldo also dominated with a season-best nine goal performance.
In moments when it looked like Collingwood needed a swing of momentum, Maraldo was there to score from half-court at times to keep the Pies within reach.
The Wheelchair Magpies fought hard until the very end but were ultimately outmuscled by the Saints.
The Senior side complete Round 5 sitting third on the 2025 VWFL Championship Division ladder, behind Richmond and St Kilda.
Community Division
The Community Division lacked their usual goal-scoring firepower against St Kilda, falling short by 14-points at RSEA Park and suffering their first defeat of the 2025 Victorian Wheelchair Football Season.
Defender Troy Hawkins’ work rate was a standout — taking kick-ins before pushing up to win the ball back through the middle. Hawkins was central to many of the team’s forward movements and scoring opportunities.
Alex McKay was also very handy in defence, with arguably the toughest role of the day.
McKay’s display of leadership through her never-give-up-attitude was admirable, as she fought hard in a match-up against Saints’ key forward, Trent Johnson.
Recruit Michael Telban is on track to be the pick-up of the season.
Telban’s ability to compete in the ruck and predict where the ball will land gave the forwardline the best chance to score, and was eventually rotated in the final quarter to score the Pies’ only goal for the match.
The Community side complete Round 5 of the 2025 VWFL Season sitting second on the ladder, behind Richmond.
Both Collingwood’s Wheelchair teams have the bye in Round 6 and will look to bounce back in the second half of the season against Hawthorn in Round 7.
Championship Division
ST KILDA 17.6 (108)
COLLINGWOOD 13.4 (82)
St Kilda def. Collingwood by 26 points.
GOALS:
ST KILDA Ryan Smith (13), Michael Milton (2) Sebastian Welsh (2)
COLLINGWOOD Sam Maraldo (9), Anthony Perito (3), Patrick McKay (1)
VWFL - Community Division
ST KILDA 3.7 (25)
COLLINGWOOD 1.5 (11)
St Kilda def. Collingwood by 14 points.
GOALS:
ST KILDA Trent Johnson (2), Daniel Fatouros (1)
COLLINGWOOD Michael Telban (1)
The Victorian Wheelchair Football League (VWFL) provides Victorians with a physical disability the opportunity to play in a competitive and adaptive version of Australian Rules football.
The VWFL is comprised of two divisions: the Championship Division and the Community Division.
Find out more on the Collingwood Community Foundation website.
