Novita SANFL Wheelchair Football League nominated for Sport SA Award

By ZAC MILBANK

The success of the inaugural Novita SANFL Wheelchair Football League has been reflected in it being shortlisted for a prestigious Sport SA Award to be announced later this month.

Introduced in 2021, the Novita SANFL Wheelchair Football League is in the running to be named the winner of the Active Inclusion Award on Sunday November 14.

Played from July through to September, the competition included teams representing four SANFL clubs – Central District, Norwood, Sturt and Woodville-West Torrens.

Played on a basketball court with goal posts at either end, Wheelchair Football involves teams of five facing off against each other with two defenders, two forwards and one midfielder.

Teams were made up of players of mixed gender, including a blend of those with, and without, a disability, ensuring the sport is attractive for everyone to participate.

The 2021 SANFLW Best and Fairest winner – West Adelaide’s Lauren Young – has been shortlisted for the Emerging Athlete of the Year Award after her stunning debut season with the Bloods.

Aged just 15 during her first senior SANFLW season, Young averaged 18.7 disposals, four marks and five tackles in playing a major role in helping her team play in its first Grand Final.

The dynamic utility also won the Powerade Breakthrough Player Award while also being selected in the centre square of the 2021 The Advertiser SANFLW Team of the Year.