Essendon’s two Wheelchair teams produced performances to be proud of in Sunday’s Grand Final double-headers at La Trobe, with the Community side securing a second consecutive flag.
Keeping hold of a large crux of its lineups from last season across both programs, a Grand Final double-up is reflective of the improvement seen over the last 18 months within the Essendon Wheelchair Football space.
The Community side overcame an early deficit against rivals Richmond, trimming away at a three-goal lead to settle into the contest well.
Kaleb Powell played a big hand with six goals - the comeback was also largely underpinned by the work of recruit Luke Cameron, who earned himself Best on Ground honours in a workmanlike performance.
The 24-point win secures a memorable back-to-back premiership, the Dons battling hard to defend their title with a strong season under coach Yasmina McGlone.
In the Championship, the Bombers fell achingly short in a terrific showcase of the Wheelchair game.
Despite finding themselves five goals down early in the piece, Chris Henderson’s group fought tooth-and-nail to rally their way back. Slotting six goals to one in the second term, it was officially game on.
The two bitter rivals went back-and-forth in a riveting second half, with the physicality of the Bombers coming to the fore.
Even as the Hawks struck late to get in front, the Dons refused to throw in the towel and earned a last-gasp opportunity to steal it - Henderson’s unlikely half-court heave after the siren unable to register a score.
The ‘Hail Mary’ attempt was a fitting end to a wild contest. Despite losing by a point, the Bombers lost no fans from a tenacious Grand Final performance.
Henderson was stellar alongside Mitch Stretton, while Scott van Gemert battled ferociously undersized in the ruck and played a key role in limiting the Hawks at clearance.
The group will take plenty of confidence out of their first appearance in the Championship decider since 2022, looking to continue the success of the Community team heading into the 2027 campaign.
CWFL Grand Final:
Essendon 10.4 (64) def. Richmond 6.4 (40)
VWFL Grand Final:
Essendon 12.6 (78) def. by Hawthorn 12.7 (79)
