The 2024 Toyota AFL Open will see the Collingwood Wheelchair Magpies represented by 10 talented athletes in what promises to be a groundbreaking event for disability inclusion in Australian sport. Set to take place in Queensland at the South Pine Sports Complex from November 21st to 26th, the tournament will bring together over 200 wheelchair athletes from across Australia to compete for the national title. As the event’s inaugural edition, the AFL Open will give athletes the opportunity to showcase their skills and represent their states in a highly competitive environment.
The Toyota AFL Open will feature a special Wheelchair division, which aims to become an annual event celebrating the country’s best wheelchair football talent. This division not only offers a platform for athletes to perform at the highest level but also highlights the growing significance of disability sports in the Australian sporting landscape. As the teams prepare for this landmark event, the inclusion of the Collingwood Wheelchair Magpies is a testament to their commitment to disability sports and their ongoing support for athletes with disabilities.
Among the Collingwood representatives is Ben Jankovski, who will serve as the Wheelchair Magpies’ 2024 captain. Jankovski, alongside forward Anthony Perito, will play for the Victoria Metro team under the guidance of coach Andrew Paddle. Paddle, a seasoned leader, will be seeking his third national title for Victoria, following previous wins in 2022 and 2023 at the Toyota Wheelchair AFL National Championships. The pair of Perito and Jankovski will look to make a strong impact and further solidify their team’s reputation at the upcoming tournament.
Other notable Magpies players include Brad Axford and Jack Elliott, who will compete for Victoria Country, adding depth and strength to the already formidable lineup. Meanwhile, Josh Christian and Martyn Ford will represent Tasmania, bringing their talents to the competition as key players in the centre positions. Sam Maraldo, Matthew Blunt, and Tim O’Connor will round out the Collingwood