Collingwood’s defence of its 2018 Victorian Wheelchair Football League (VWFL) premiership opens this Sunday, when the Magpies meet St Kilda at the Boroondara Sports complex at 12.05pm.

The 2018 Robert Rose Foundation VWFL season was a triumph for Collingwood, with the side not only winning the premiership but remaining undefeated throughout the inaugural season of the competition.

Collingwood presented jumpers to its 2019 VWFL squad at the Holden Centre on Friday, with three new players introduced in wake of the retirements of Richard Amon, Mark Walker and Orfeo Cecconat.

Amon, who is chief executive of Disability Sport and Recreation, also addressed the 2019 team at the presentation.

“Last year Collingwood signed on as a foundation VWFL club. The league all started because of Collingwood’s support and involvement,” Amon said.

“After such a successful inaugural year for the league we can’t wait to see what’s to come.”

The Pies have welcomed into their squad former Richmond VFWL player, and 2018 top goal scorer, Riley Fitzgerald, as well as Arnold Ralzon, Caitlin Angler and Andrew Paddle. The new additions bring Collingwood’s 2019 VWFL list to a total of nine players.

Collingwood VWFL captain Brendan Stroud said he’s eager for the challenge of establishing some chemistry in the squad and meeting the pressure of holding on to the club’s unbeaten record.  

“Although we had a successful first year, we know that 2019 will present new challenges. Every team has had a taste of the competition and is ready to strive and build the league into something even greater in its second year,” Stroud said.

 “I’ve been a Collingwood supporter all my life and being able to represent the club has been a dream come true.

“Living with a disability, I never imagined an opportunity to pull on an AFL jumper. I’m proud to be a part of a club with so much history and contribute to the future of wheelchair AFL.”