AFL NSW/ACT are excited to announce the launch of a comprehensive Wheelchair AFL pathway in partnership with Wheelchair sports NSW/ACT, beginning in 2025.
Our goal is to expand opportunities for new players while providing refined representative pathways for talented athletes who aspire to compete at an elite level.
Whether you are brand new to the sport or looking to push your game further, we invite you to get involved.
CEO Wheelchair Sports NSW/ACT, Mick Garnett, expressed his excitement for the announcement.
“2025 is the most exciting season of Wheelchair AFL we’ve ever had. New teams, new players and the inaugural State Championships are features that promise to put Wheelchair AFL on the map in NSW/ACT.”
AFL NSW/ACT Diversity Lead, Khobi Devine, voiced her enthusiasm for the opportunity.
‘’We are thrilled to provide more opportunities for people to enjoy our game through the expansion of Wheelchair AFL in 2025’’, she said.
‘’Wheelchair AFL is a game for everyone, and the new pathway enables participants to engage at any level, whether that be a social game for fun with friends, or to increase skills and play competitively in a refined talent pathway.’’
Pathway Overview
Our structured pathway - Try, Play, Excel - offers multiple entry points for players of all ages, genders, and abilities, including those who do not live with a disability.
TRY - Club Training
What it is: Weekly training sessions at eight locations (Bankstown, Macquarie University, Mount Druitt, Canberra, Wagga Wagga, Temora, Newcastle, and the Central Coast).
Focus: Developing foundational skills, building fitness, and fostering a supportive community for wheelchair AFL.
Key Details:
- No experience necessary – all equipment provided.
- Open to all ages, genders, and abilities.
- Unlimited classification points on court, so everyone can participate comfortably.
Key Dates: February–November 2025 (ongoing weekly sessions).
Our Club Training program is the best place to start if you’re new or simply looking to hone your skills in a welcoming environment. Each club runs weekly sessions, open to everyone - no experience required, no equipment needed.
Club | Location | Day & Time | Start Date |
Bankstown Bullsharks | Bankstown Basketball Stadium | Tuesdays, 7:30pm – 9:00pm | 4 March 2025 |
Mac Uni Warriors | Macquarie University Sport & Aquatic Centre | Saturdays, 4:00pm – 5:30pm | 15 March 2025 |
Western Magic | Kevin Betts Stadium, Mt Druitt | Saturdays, 8:00am – 9:00am | 22 March 2025 |
Tuggeranong Valley | Tuggeranong Archery Centre, Canberra | Tuesdays, 5:30pm – 7:00pm | 13 February 2025 |
Wagga Tigers | Bolton Park Stadium | Wednesdays, 4:30pm – 6:30pm | 5 February 2025 |
Temora Kangaroos | Temora Recreation Centre | In development | 18 March 2025 |
Newcastle (Club TBC) | In development | In development | June/July 2025 |
Central Coast (TBC) | In development | In development | July 2025 (TBC) |
PLAY – Club League
What it is: The first opportunity to play competitive Wheelchair AFL in NSW/ACT.
Structure: Two club leagues initially (Sydney Metro and Southern NSW), with a third “Northern NSW” league under development.
Key Details:
- Two rounds per league in 2025, replicating community football match days.
- All equipment provided, open to all abilities.
- Gender-neutral teams, everyone is welcome to join.
Key Dates:
Club League Round 1: 12 April 2025
Club League Round 2: 10 May 2025
To provide a competitive environment that mirrors community football, two club leagues will operate from 2025:
• Sydney Metro League (Bankstown, Western Sydney, and Mac Uni Warriors).
• Southern NSW League (Wagga Wagga, Canberra, and Temora).
• A Northern NSW League is under development for Newcastle and the Central Coast clubs.
Each league hosts two rounds of matches in 2025:
League Round | Location | Date | Time |
Sydney Metro – R1 | Five Dock Leisure Centre | Saturday 12 April 2025 | 10:00am – 2:00pm |
Southern NSW – R1 | AIS Canberra | Saturday 12 April 2025 | 12:30pm – 4:30pm |
Sydney Metro – R2 | Blacktown Leisure Centre | Saturday 10 May 2025 | 10:00am – 2:00pm |
Southern NSW – R2 | Bolton Park Stadium, Wagga | Saturday 10 May 2025 | 10:00am – 2:00pm |
PLAY – State Championships
What it is: A two-day elite-level event for players selected from the club leagues and training clubs.
Teams & Branding: Aligned with NSW/ACT’s professional clubs: Swans Red & White, Giants Orange & Charcoal.
Key Details:
- Held in Goulburn on 13 and 14 September 2025.
- Matches adopt a 17 classification points on the court rule, to mirror the AFL Open’s system.
Taking the step from club competition to an elite representative arena, the Wheelchair AFL State Championships will bring the best players together:
Dates: 13 & 14 September 2025
Location: Goulburn (venue TBC)
Format: Each league and their constituent clubs nominate a squad. The event will showcase teams aligning with prominent NSW/ACT AFL clubs (Swans White, Swans Red, Giants Orange, and Giants Charcoal).
Event Highlights:
- High-level competition reflective of the AFL Open’s style of play.
- “17 points on court” classification system in use.
- A social dinner on the Saturday night.
The State Championships will help refine our talent pathway, offering clear benchmarks for players aiming for selection into the NSW/ACT Rolling Rams.
EXCEL – National Championships (AFL Open)
What it is: The pinnacle of Australian Wheelchair AFL competition, bringing together top-level teams from states, territories, and established leagues.
NSW/ACT Rolling Rams: A representative side selected from the State Championships.
Key Details:
- Scheduled for late October/early November 2025 (exact dates TBC).
- Two training camps in October (11 October and 25 October) will prepare the Rolling Rams for national competition.
- Final location TBC.
AFL Open – National Wheelchair AFL Championships
Finally, the top Wheelchair AFL athletes in NSW/ACT will progress to the AFL Open, the premier national competition for the sport:
Who: The NSW/ACT Rolling Rams - a select squad chosen from State Championships performers.
When: Late October/early November 2025 (exact dates TBC).
Where: Location to be confirmed.
Preparation: Two training camps will be held in preparation for the AFL Open, with dates and locations to be confirmed
The Rolling Rams will compete against other state and territory teams, continuing to elevate the profile and performance of Wheelchair AFL in NSW/ACT and beyond.
Get Involved
Whether you want to come and try Wheelchair AFL for fun, join a club to develop your game, or test your skills at the highest level, there’s a place for everyone. No prior experience or personal equipment is required, and we welcome all genders, ages, and abilities.
Stay tuned for more announcements on fixtures, venues, and registration details.
Join us in building a strong, inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity to Try, Play, and Excel in Wheelchair AFL!
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