By Aaron Cordy
AFL dreams begin in the backyard and school ovals, having a kick with friends or solo by throwing the ball in the air and hearing the destined crowd roar as children fly for speckies. For many the dream is all it is, but for other children, even the dream seems a reach too far.
When Essendon visited Verney Road Primary School last week, the passion and excitement for the great game of AFL was clear on the young faces when Kyle Langford and Kaine Baldwin took to the stage, but it was when Caleb Logan and Adam Georgelin rolled out that understanding the dream of playing for an AFL football club was a lot broader and more open than people think.
Caleb and Adam are stars of Essendon’s Victorian Wheelchair Football (VWFL) team. Played between two teams of five in a zoned court like Netball, with handballs counting as kicks, underarm throws are handballs and tackling is still on.
Star forward Caleb Logan has been an Essendon tragic since the age of five. He couldn’t wait to sign up when he received an email from Disability Sport & Rec wanting players to try out a new game of Wheelchair AFL.
“I’ve been an Essendon Supporter since I was five, playing for them was something I never thought I could do, now I am and it’s pretty awesome. I’ve met some of my favourite players/coaches along the way, and even have my name next to one after scoring 100 goals,” said Caleb.
Defender Adam Georgelin began his career at Richmond where he spent four years, before joining the Bombers three seasons ago.
“Essendon gave me a second chance at reviving my dream of playing wheelchair AFL. They have also got me involved in some of the community programs I am forever grateful for this opportunity,” said Adam.
VWFL currently has five teams with plans to expand to more teams for this inclusive sport that opens opportunities to play for AFL clubs for people who thought the dream was beyond them. At Essendon, the wheelchair players are a genuine part of their club and maybe one day a Verney Road student will live their AFL dream.
