Hawthorn’s wheelchair football team has picked up four exciting new players in the 2019 VWFL draft, as the side prepares for its second season in the competition.

Joe Chivers, one of the club’s new recruits, is set to become the first Tasmanian local to play for the Hawks in wheelchair football. 

Chivers, a promising footballer in his youth, broke his back in 2009 when a skydiving adventure went horribly wrong.

Since that day, Chivers has immersed himself in wheelchair sport, playing basketball, representing Australia in ice hockey, and captaining Tasmania’s football team. 

He will fly himself up from the northern suburbs of Hobart ahead of each of Hawthorn’s games, such is his commitment to fulfilling what has been a lifelong dream.

“It’s always been my dream to play in the AFL, and prior to my accident that was what I was training to do,” Chivers said, following Sunday’s draft.

“As soon as I had my accident I thought that dream was completely dead.

“But since wheelchair football has come along, it’s provided the perfect opportunity for me to get back in the chair.

“I love footy, so that’s why I’ve committed to travelling to Melbourne each week for the games.”

Alongside Chivers, the Hawks have also picked up Antony Arulnesathasan, Brian Owen and Peter Richardson to round out their 10-man squad for the 2019 season.

Peter Ogunyemi will continue on as captain for the second consecutive year.

See Hawthorn’s full VWFL line up below:

Peter Ogunyemi (Captain)

Antony Arulnesathasan (new)

Brian Owen (new)

Jason Jinks (Vice captain)

Jeremy O'Halloran (Vice captain)

Joanna Argaet

Joe Chivers (new)

Peter Richardson (new)

Ryan Scown

Troy Hawkins

Hawthorn’s Wheelchair Team is made possible thanks to the support of the club’s new social inclusion partner, Afford.  With over 65 years of experience, Afford are one of Australia’s longest serving disability service providers. To find out more, please click here.