Finley’s Matt Hannan has won a national championship and MVP award at the AFL Open championships last week.
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Hannan was a part of the NSW/ACT Rolling Rams AFL Wheelchair side that won the Division 2 at the AFL Open held in Bundoora from October 26 to October 30.
“It’s the fourth time I’ve participated in the Open,” Hannan said.
“Leading up to it there were a few try-out sessions, the state champs in Goulburn and a few other training and team bonding sessions around New South Wales.
“The players come from all over the state, including Wagga, Albury, Parkes, Sydney Metro and, obviously, Finley.
“The opening ceremony was on the Sunday, then it was on for the five days, which culminated in the division one and division two grand finals.”
The National Wheelchair Championships saw seven teams representing the eight states territories, including Hannan’s NSW/ACT combination team and a Returned Services League team.
“Initially, we had what they call lightning rounds, which were 10 minute halves to determine the divisions.
“We played Victoria, the team that won Division 1 in the lightning round, and were only beaten (6.4) 40 to (8.2) 50 points. That sent a bit of a shock.
“Ultimately, we finished fifth overall in the lightning round.
“We (NSW/ACT) copped a bit of a hiding in the Division 2 grand final to RSL Active last year by 68 points, so it was good to beat them (6.0) 36 to (5.2) 32.
“We finished top of the division and played Northern Territory in the semi final. They are an emerging state, but we won (17.12) 114 to (8.3) 51.
“We then played Queensland in the final, which was pretty tight. It was pretty exciting to win that by seven points, (8.4) 52 to (6.9) 45.”
While Hannan lifted the team’s average age, he played an important role in the NSW/ACT premiership.
“I’m the oldest player at 51, though was lucky enough to be adjudged most valuable player for New South Wales.
“I play in defence and like to set up the play from the back of the court.
“I’d never won a premiership or a best and fairest before, so that was pretty special.
At the presentations, it was GWS Giant Toby Greene who presented him with his championship awards. He described him as a “down to earth great fella”.
Hannan said AFL Wheelchair is growing as a sport in NSW.
“Under coach Danny Jeffery we aimed to be in Division 1, and that’s probably a goal for the short to mid-term.
“New South Wales have successful wheelchair AFL hubs in Wagga, Temora, Albury and Sydney Metro areas, and are looking to create a hub in Goulburn, and has really invested heavily in the sport.
“This includes supporting pathways, after having been behind the ball a little bit.
“Victoria would have all VFL affiliated players that play for Collingwood, Hawthorn, Essendon, Richmond, St Kilda, etcetera, which would all have access to the same facilities and gym as the footy clubs.
“Out here in Finley, the Finley Community Gym gets me all my strength and conditioning needs.”
Wheelchair AFL has modified rules to Aussie Rules Football, with five players playing at a time.
There are designated defenders, centres and forwards.
A handball is equivalent to a kick, and an underarm throw is equivalent to a handball and is play on.
Hannan said anyone that can operate a wheelchair can play, although there is lots of contact in the wheelchairs.
“It is extremely combative, with steel and graphite wheelchairs clashing into each other.
“For me, it is a bit addictive. But one thing about being in a wheelchair is that it’s easier in the chair.
“I get to show my bit of craft and as long as the mind is working, the body doesn’t get as tired than if you had to run.
“Though I did feel a bit sore at the end of it.”
Hannan got into wheelchair AFL only recently, but has shown you can compete at any age.
“I saw it advertised that try-outs were happening in Albury, and tried out.
“I was 47 when I tried out, but have known about it since I was 22 or 23 when I first did rehab.
“It was mostly just in metro areas then, and I stuck to cricket and football coaching in Finley.”
Hannan said the National Championships is the peak of the wheelchair AFL calendar and is happy to continue to be a part of the NSW/ACT group ahead of 2026 AFL Open.
“That was definitely the crescendo, and we have a bit of time off now.
“The AFL Open has inclusive and wheelchair national competitions, and also had blind/low visibility AFL for the first time.
“It is very inclusive and gives people opportunity.
“For some, they will start training in January.
“I’m at the older age and will see what it’s like. If it looks like there’s a few good players coming through I’ll let them play, if not I’ll still be around to support the team.”