Richmond’s Wheelchair Football Team claimed their third Robert Rose Cup as 2024 Victorian Wheelchair Football League (VWFL) premiers.
The Tigers recorded a 23-point win over arch-rival Collingwood to claim their third VWFL premiership at the Melbourne Sports & Aquatics Centre on Sunday afternoon, 13.4 (82) to 9.5 (59).
The Tigers, who finished first on the ladder with an impressive seven-and-one record and a strong percentage of 208.75%, capped off their memorable season with a Grand Final win against the Pies.
It marks Richmond’s third flag since the inaugural VWFL season in 2018.
James Weinert was named Player of the Match following his outstanding display on the day.
Much-loved Tiger captain Teisha Shadwell described her emotions as “a lot of excitement”, particularly after losing the Grand Final last year.
“I am so proud. We started training in January and every single player put in the hard work on-and-off the court and played for each other. Words can’t say how proud I am of them,” she said.
“We came off last year losing in the Grand Final, so we knew we had a lot of work to do…there was a lot of pressure on us, and definitely a lot of nerves.
“To actually hear that final siren go...it was relief and excitement, just so many emotions.”
After trailing at half-time by six points, the Tigers came out firing in the third term with a crucial seven-goal blitz to establish a 35-point three-quarter time lead.
“We knew coming out of that half we were playing their game, and if we wanted a shot at winning we had to stop, take a moment, and start playing the way we know how to play; Richmond’s game,” Shadwell said.
“We did exactly that, and the score reflected it.”
