Building Bonds and Breaking Barriers: The Wheelchair Magpies Prepare for the Grand Final
On this cold, wintery morning in Melbourne, the temperature is seven degrees. Ben Jankovski enters the café on his electric blue wheels, a radiant smile on his face, and a haircut fresher than the cold, crisp air outside.
“Look. I am not thinking about the outcome. I’m thinking about the first ten minutes when the siren sounds. That’s all we need to worry about.”
The 2024 Victorian Wheelchair Grand Final takes place this Sunday against a formidable Richmond side. The Tigers finished the season at the top of the ladder in both the VWFL and the CWFL.
The Pies face a major obstacle, but Jankovski is up to the task.
He actually enjoys it.
From junior football to wheelchair football, this will be the Captain’s eighth Grand Final appearance in his brief sporting career, and Jankovski’s calm yet competitive demeanour is evident.
“We worked hard to reach this point in the year. Everyone feels at ease in their duties, and the rotations have begun to take shape. We’ve just been improving every week, playing to each other’s strengths and making tactical adjustments.” Jankovski explains.
“It is business as usual. I just want to make sure that everyone enjoys the moment. We’re going to enjoy the week and our success of reaching the Grand Final. Because it’s a huge accomplishment.
After a season of ups and downs, the team’s camaraderie has grown stronger.
“This is a new-look team. A new style. New methods to connect, particularly outside of the court. I hope the fans understand how much this means to us and want to highlight how much it means to wear the black-and-white jumper.”
“I believe that our relationship has served as our overall inspiration. We haven’t been results-driven. Our process has been the driving force for us. It’s in how we play and interact with one another on and off the court. That has been our main motivator. It hasn’t been one individual; it’s been the entire group.” Jankovski continues.
The team’s rich identity is built on a blend of past and present players, and Ben believes it is critical to maintain that perspective.
“We’ve been in the league long enough to have role models to look up to in the wheelchair space, so we really want to commemorate former players. And, regardless of the outcome, we will honour the club to the best of our abilities.”
The wheelchair Magpies care about more than just the results. It must be if it is to have any real meaning.
How can I watch and attend?
Both games will be livestreamed on the Victorian Wheelchair Football League Facebook page.
Entry is free. Book your ticket here.
How can I stay connected?
Collingwood’s AFL handles on X, Facebook, and Instagram provide up-to-date news, scores, and highlights.
