Collingwood star relishes ‘exciting’ Shepp return for wheelchair football league round

The stars of AFL-affiliated giants Collingwood, Richmond, Essendon and St Kilda will descend on Shepparton Sports Stadium on July 19 for what promises to be a compelling spectacle.

Elliott has flourished in the legendary black and white stripes, having risen to the position of reserves team captain to complete an impressive rise to prominence in recent years.

The forward has cerebral palsy and is fast becoming a trailblazer for regional players in the sport, collecting various awards for his performances in the VWFL, as well as representing Victoria Country at the national level during the Toyota AFL Open.

Now, the proud son of Shepparton, 25, is aiming to bring the sport to a new audience in the city where he grew up, as he looks to potentially inspire the next generation of players.

Speaking exclusively to the News prior to the regional round this month, Elliott spoke excitedly about the prospect of leaving a legacy in his home region as he prepares to lead Collingwood against St Kilda.

“It’s really exciting, not only for the region, but for us as a football club to have the game come to a regional town like Shepparton and showcase it to people who won’t have had the chance to see it live in action,” he said.

“I’d love to have a consistent round in Shepp from a regional point of view, as it’s exciting to have wheelchair sports on showcase here.

“In our game, the Saints have been struggling a bit this year but they’ve brought in a few pieces to make them better, so we never take them lightly.

“They’ll bring their best, I’m sure to try and rain on the party in Shepp, so we’ll have to give it our best to get over them.”

He recounted making the transition to turn his talents to wheelchair football following a Come & Try day in Melbourne after previously playing sports including wheelchair basketball, horse riding and water skiing.

“I played wheelchair basketball in Shepparton for seven years was following Collingwood Football Club on socials, they do a really good job of promoting their wheelchair side,” he recalled.

“I’ve been a part of the league now for four seasons so it’s really exciting.”

Elliott still resides in Shepparton, where he has lived since the age of three, and juggles playing for Collingwood alongside aspiring towards a career in cyber security and IT.

After many years of sacrifice involving trips down to the state capital three a week to fulfil his football dream, his efforts were rewarded as he won his first ever premiership with the Magpies back in 2024.

He has very much become a valued club stalwart during his time with Collingwood too and watched on as the men’s side clinched the AFL premiership in 2023, attending the Grand Final dinner that year.

“That was a real highlight, obviously the travel is a big sacrifice in terms of going down to training and playing so it was really fulfilling to get the grand prize we’ve all strived for,” Elliott said.

He also cites being named as reserves skipper as a “humbling” experience as he looked back over his achievements in the game.

“It was really humbling to be recognised by my teammates and coaches as a leader - I’d been vice-captain for a couple of years and had been waiting in the wings for the opportunity,” he said.

“Playing in this side is a lot of fun, we are very competitive and there’s a real hunger in the group to get better and hopefully show up for a senior opportunity.

“I’d like to think I’m a player that plays with a bit of flair and I like to bring my personality to the court, I’m very passionate and like to be a goal-kicker!”