The Victorian Wheelchair Football League (VWFL) is back for its ninth season, with Richmond again proudly fielding two teams across both the Championship and Community divisions.
While the season begins on Sunday 17 May, both Richmond sides begin the season with the bye. Official Richmond proceedings begin the following week, with the Tigers set to take on St Kilda, on Sunday 24 May at the State Netball and Hockey Centre, from 1pm (Championship) and 2pm (Community).
It is set to be a season full of promise for Richmond, who will add a handful of fresh faces to its line-ups in 2026.
"We are really excited about the season ahead. We have five new players, which is just great, not only see some new talent coming into the program, but also some new people into the sport," Richmond's Sustainability & Inclusion Lead, Gabrielle McKeown, said.
"The team has been working hard on the court and honing their skills in the off-season. It's great to be together again as a group, everyone seems really up and about for the year ahead."
What is the VWFL?
The Victorian Wheelchair Football League is an Australian Rules competition for those living with disabilities.
The VWFL boasts five AFL Clubs, with Richmond joined by Collingwood, St Kilda, Essendon and St Kilda in both the Championship and Community competitions.
Richmond's 2026 players
Championship: Miranda Charlton (coach), Shannan Sykes, James Weinart (captain), Judeland Anthony, Nathan Graetz, Chris Kotsana
Community: Shannan Sykes (coach), Miranda Charlton, Matt Morris (captain), Bryant Parsons, Mark Titford, Bianca Meo, Corin Murphy, Elliott Charlton, Naisan Hirmiz, Steve Bell, Charlie Kennedy
Our newest recruits
Richmond is delighted to welcome five additions to our VWFL teams this season. They are Steve Bell, Biana Meo, Charlie Kennedy, Nathan Graetz and Naisan Hirmiz.
Our coaches
Some fresh faces with lots of experience will join the coaching ranks in 2026.
Miranda Charlton, who is also a new recruit, will share the role of head coach, alongside Shannan Sykes.
"Shannan joined us in 2025 and it has been amazing to see him grow and develop into a natural leader," McKeown said.
The 2026 fixture
Both Richmond teams play off in a 10-round home-and-away season at the State Netball and Hockey Centre in Melbourne.
Round 1 is an official bye for both sides, with Round 2 against St Kilda set to open the Club's VWFL season.
The top four sides will play off in a three-week finals series.
Find our 2026 Championship Division fixture here, and our Community Division fixture here.
Richmond's VWFL history
Last year, both the Championship and Community sides made their respective Grand Finals, with high expectations of going one step further in 2026.
James Weinert won the Club’s Best and Fairest award for the Championship Division side last year, while Matt Morris was named Best and Fairest for the Community Division team.
The Tigers have won three premierships (2019, 2022, 2024), since the competition's inception, back in 2018.
Can I watch live or attend matches?
Entry is free for both Championship and Community matches, at the State Netball and Hockey Centre, all season long.
You can also watch every match of both divisions via VWFL's Facebook.
Both teams will look to go one step further this season and fans can stay tuned to Richmond's digital channels for news about the 2026 season.
