Essendon’s Wheelchair Bombers have started the year off in style.

Rolling out on the court at the NEC Hanger with fresh wheels and a determination to go one better in 2023.

Thanks to proud partner, Coles, the VWFL team has been donated five brand new sports wheelchairs to support the side’s growth after a successful 2022.

Essendon forwards Ben Milton and Scott Van Gemert are looking forward to a promising season and are grateful for Coles’ support with the new chairs.

“Coles donating us new wheelchairs is fantastic, it can help us numerous ways. Any new players coming along who don’t have a sports chair, it’s much easier for them to get involved and understand the game and how to move, so it really helps,” Milton said.

“Any bit of support to get someone into the game is really important, so it’s great.”

Over the next month, the club’s senior and development VWFL sides across the state will be hosting come-and-try sessions before the season officially commences.

Van Gemert and Milton both spent time in the development side last year and would encourage anyone who is thinking of joining to come along.

“The fact that we can play footy is great, it’s a sport I’ve always loved but never saw myself being able to play until I discovered the program, so to be part of it is really awesome,” Van Gemert said.

Ben Milton, who captained the development side last year, was awarded the Louis Rowe Development Medal for his hard work and caring spirit.

“Just give it a go, if you love the sport and want to try it, there’s nothing stopping you now, so just have a go and have fun,” Milton said.

Essendon will be hungry to claim its first VWFL Premiership this year after just falling short in the last two VWFL Grand Finals.