2023 Novita SANFL Wheelchair Football League spins off

By ALICE MOULTON

The Novita SANFL Wheelchair Football League returns to action on Friday night with a new initiative introduced to support the inclusive nature of the exciting competition.

An innovative points classification system has been implemented this season to ensure the competition is fair and inclusive for all players.

Each player is assessed based on their function level and classified on a scale from one to five points. Teams – Norwood, Sturt, Woodville-West Torrens and Central District – are only allowed a total of 16 points made from their combination of five players on the court.

Norwood Captain, Grant Leonard, has witnessed the interest increase in wheelchair football and believes the new points system is a positive move that will assist in the League’s continual growth.

“Introducing a points classification system to our game is a great idea and a massive step in the right direction,” Leonard said.

“The points system allows all players with physical disability to have the opportunity to play on court regardless of their impairment.”

Reigning Sturt premiership captain, Steven Avery, echoed these sentiments.

“I think the points system is a great thing as it does allow for new people to play who may have previously been a bit hesitant,’’ Avery said.

“The interest from the general public has definitely grown over the first two seasons, as evidenced by the massive crowd with standing room only at the grand final last season.”

With the Novita SANFL Wheelchair Football League heading into its third campaign, an increased interest in the game is evident.

“There has been a large growth of players across the first few seasons,” Leonard said.

“Going back to the original state team, we had one team of seven players, now we have four SANFL clubs involved.”

The season kicks off this Friday night, including nine minor rounds and a finals double-header (Friday August 11) spanning a 12-week period.

All Fixture and registration information can be found here.