Improved skills saw close competition between four teams at the finals of the ParaQuad Tasmania 2024 Wheelchair AFL Spring Southern Series.
The Grand Final match up was the Pacers versus the Tassie Turbo Chooks – the Pacers aiming to back up their win in the Autumn Series, and the improved Chooks hoping to bring them down the pecking order.
“From the first ball-up it was a great match to watch, with both teams implementing set plays into their game plans,” said John Hayes, ParaQuad Tasmania’s Manager of Physical Disability Sport & Education Programs.
A high intensity first quarter saw the Pacers take a 15-point lead into the second. While both teams pushed hard in the second, the Pacers increased their lead to 40 points at the main break.
The second half had plenty of free flow scoring, and while the Turbo Chooks outscored the Pacers (eight goals to seven), it was the Pacers who held on to a winning margin – 106 points to 78 at the final siren. Alex Christian was named MVP for the match.
Pacers Captain Josh Christian (pictured below right with his brother Alex) had this to say after the win:
“This one was special. Being able to play competition sport on the same side as my brother and girlfriend is never something that I have been able to do before.
“Wheelchair AFL changed that with ParaQuad Tasmania running their league over the last couple of months.”
The curtain raiser minor final saw the improving Kilos on Wheelos up against the newly named Night Hawks. Both teams hit the scoreboard early with a 21 to 19 first quarter seeing the Kilos take a slender lead.
The second quarter was played at a good pace with both teams trying to stick to their plans.
After the big break Kilos on Wheelos built a solid 20-point lead rolling into the final quarter.
After leading all night, Kilos on Wheelos eventually rolled out 27-point winners in a very good game of Wheelchair AFL.
Thanks to everyone involved, including volunteers, umpires and AFL Tasmania, for contributing to another great competition.
If you’re interested in getting involved in Wheelchair AFL, contact manager-programs@paraquadtas.org.au or call (03)6272 8816.
