Matthew Nitschke Memorial Round

By ZAC MILBANK

One of the greats of the Novita SANFL Wheelchair League, the late Matthew Nitschke, will be honoured at this Friday night’s double-header to be played at The Lights Community and Sports Centre.

Round 9 of the Novita SANFL Wheelchair League will be known as the Matthew Nitschke Memorial Round as the entire wheelchair football community pays tribute to Matthew’s legacy.

Matthew, an inaugural player for Central District in the 2021 season, passed away last year. He was revered for his inspirational, team-first approach for sport and life in general while inspiring his peers with his passion for footy.

”Matthew really epitomised what the competition is all about – he loved to have fun and a laugh with teammates and opposition alike,” SANFL Disability Programs Coordinator Nathan Pepper said.

”But he was always fiercely competitive about doing all he could to help his beloved Bulldogs.

”You can see stickers of his treasured number 8 guernsey on the wheelchairs of players from all teams which just shows how respected he was across the whole competition.

”He was passionate about the inclusion of people with disability through sport and was very proud to be part of the inaugural Central District team. We hope to keep the memory of Matt alive by honouring him this week.”

A long-time supporter of the Schools Ministry Group charity, Matthew was an advocate for the vital role it played for young people across South Australia.

Schools Ministry Group has been offering pastoral care services for more than 30 years, supporting the well-being of thousands of students in the State, with the goal of seeing every child discover a purpose, value and hope.

SANFL is encouraging the public to come along to the Matthew Nitschke Memorial Round, the last minor round fixture of the 2023 season.

Matthew’s beloved Bulldogs will begin proceedings against reigning premier Sturt in the first match at 6.15pm followed by Norwood and Woodville-West Torrens going head-to-head at 7.45pm.

There will be an opportunity to donate to Schools Ministry Group on the night or via their website at the link below.