After a Round 1 Bye, Richmond’s Victorian Wheelchair Football League (VWFL) teams have started their campaigns with two wins each from their opening three matches.
The Championship Division currently sits third on the ladder, while the Community Division is second, heading into Round 5.
Richmond’s Senior Coach of the Championship Division, Miranda Charlton, said that her side has shown the ability to remain competitive, despite the loss of some key personnel.
“The Championship team are remaining highly competitive in the League, despite the loss of key Premiership players from seasons past,” Charlton said.
“The Tigers' Championship team have shown that they remain top of the table contenders, and we hope to see them in the Grand Final once again.”
VWFL Round 2 Results
Championship Division: Richmond defeated St Kilda 8.11 (59) to 4.9 (33)
Community Division: Richmond defeated St Kilda 26.9 (165) to 2.0 (12)
Round 1 saw a strong win from the Community team, defeating St Kilda by 23 points in a 2025 Grand Final rematch.
James Weinert hit the scoreboard for the Tigers, slotting five majors, while Chris Kotsanas had three of his own, fresh off his 100-goal season from last year.
On Court 9 of the State Netball Hockey Centre, the Community side started their season off with a huge 153-point win over St Kilda.
Bryant Parsons added 12 goals to his name alongside Mark Titford, who had eight.
Community Coach Shannan Sykes said he was impressed with how the side has come together.
“Charlie Kennedy, Naisan Hirmiz and Bianca Meo have all made impacts during their time on court,” Sykes said.
Recruit Bianca Meo has had an impressive debut, scoring a goal with her first possession of the game.
VWFL Round 3 Results
Championship Division: Hawthorn defeated Richmond 17.8 (110) to 6.4 (40)
Community Division: Richmond defeated Hawthorn 17.6 (108) to 3.4 (22)
Unfortunately, the Championship team had a disappointing loss to top-of-the-ladder Hawthorn in a hard-fought game.
However, Charlton took positives from the ruck work of Nathan Graetz.
“Graetz has been an excellent recruit, dominating the ruck in all three matches despite being new to the sport,” Charlton said.
More positively, the Community Division made it two from two with an 86-point win over the Hawks.
Charlton held high praise for defender Mathew Morris, who has been pivotal in shutting down the opposition's offence.
“The leadership of premiership player Matthew Morris has been integral to shutting down key forwards and controlling the centre third through clearance with returning Ruck Elliott Charlton,” Charlton said.
VWFL Round 4 Results
Championship Division: Richmond defeated Essendon 16.5 (101) to 15.6 (96)
Community Division: Essendon Defeated Richmond 11.4 (70) to 7.10 (52)
In Round 4, the Championship responded well, claiming a narrow win in a high-scoring affair over Essendon in the Dreamtime clash.
Charlton said she was impressed with team Captain James Winert and his ability to swing up forward.
“Team captain James Weinert, who has moved from the back line to the forward position, where he scored an impressive nine goals against Essendon in the Dreamtime clash, a hard-fought contest with 15 lead changes before the Tigers took the win," Charlton said.
The Community Division went down in a 2025 Grand Final rematch to the Bombers, by just 18 points.
It was a hard-fought match to the end, with the teams' new players stepping up on defence.
“Despite fantastic defensive efforts by recruits Naisan Hirmiz and Charlie Kennedy, in addition to those by Corin Murphy, who has been an exceptional utility player up forward and down back,” Charlton said.
“Steve Bell debuted in round 4 against Essendon, taking a defensive role. Returning for another season in the yellow and black are Bryant Parsons, who is leading the league in most goals (24), and Mark Titford, with the second most goals (9) after four rounds.
Both teams will face Collingwood in Round 5 this Sunday at Cardinia Life Stadium.
