The Brisbane Lions have claimed the inaugural Wheelchair AFL QClash Series, running out 21-point victors against motorway rivals, Gold Coast.

Throughout the year, AFLQ held a number ‘come and try’ days for Wheelchair AFL across Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast before selecting a Lions and Suns team to face off in a three-match series.

The Lions led by 8-points at the first change and the SUNS hit the lead in the early stages of the second stanza, but a blitz of goals from Lions Captain, Michael Dobbie-Bridges and Paul Letters, saw the Lions roar into a handy 23-point at the long break.

Brisbane hit the scoreboard first in the third quarter and hit their rhythm with four straight majors including a ripper via Farhan Ahmedada. The Suns put on a late charge however, the margin was far too great as the Brisbane Lions became the inaugural winners of the Wheelchair AFL QClash Series.

It was an inspirational performance by Skipper Dobbie-Bridges, scoring a whopping 9 goals. The humble leader said he couldn’t be prouder of his side’s effort.

“I am so proud of all of them,” he said.

“The way that everyone got in and supported each other to learn and grow in the first season is a testament to the type of people they are.

“We had a really good mix of players in the team from former Paralympians to absolute newcomers to para-sports, but everyone contributed and gelled well together.”

Dobbie-Bridges headlines several Lions players selected in the QLD side, heading to Melbourne in November to represent their state, an honour he says is great recognition for effort.

“All the boys that have been selected have really put in the work so it’s awesome recognition for them.

I am so proud of them all. It is a huge honour to represent your State in anything and to do it in the game that you have loved all your life, that is pretty special.”

“A massive thanks needs to go to AFLQ and Disability Sports Australia for providing us with the opportunity to represent QLD on the national stage and hopefully this is just the springboard that the game needs to grow here.”

For those unaware of the rules of Wheelchair AFL, Dobbie-Bridges says the fundamentals are almost identical, with a few minor adjustments.

“The fundamentals of AFL are all there, goals and behinds are the same, holding the ball and marking, etc.”

“It is played on a netball court and there are 5 players a side. The players a zoned into sections; 2 forwards, 1 centre and 2 defenders and a bit like netball, you can play across multiple zones.”

“The centres can go everywhere; the forwards play in the front two thirds and are the only ones that can score. We play with a size 5 AFL ball and a kick is replaced with a handball. To handball you can pass it underarm.”

A competitive sport with an open-door policy, the Lions Skipper implored Lions fans to come and support or try the game themselves.

“The game is open to anyone that wants to play in a wheelchair. We are always happy for more people to come and try out the game and help us grow the game organically in QLD.

“If you know any young footy lovers with disabilities then encourage them to come along for the 2023 sessions. The Lions and the Suns have been fantastic, and I know the teams have loved feeling part of something bigger so keep an eye out for the team on the socials and show them some love.”