15 September 2025
Kym Cheeseman
Bendigo, Victoria - Bendigo played host to the inaugural round of the Victorian Wheelchair Basketball League (VWBL), the first structured home-and-away competition for wheelchair basketball in Victoria.
For players, coaches and volunteers, the day was about more than just results – it was about being part of something special. Athletes at every stage of their journey took the court, from first-time competitors experiencing the thrill of state-level play, to seasoned campaigners testing themselves against Victoria’s best.
Kilsyth set the early benchmark with two commanding victories, while every team showed exciting signs of promise. The opening round delivered a mix of thrilling contests and learning opportunities, highlighting the strong foundations already in place and the rapid growth expected as the season unfolds.
More than 50 athletes featured across the opening round, along with a strong show of community support cheering from the sidelines.
Standout performances included:
- - Jackson Gray (Bendigo) who poured in 48 points against Geelong.
- - Seb Welsh (Frankston) guiding his side to victory over Diamond Valley with composed leadership.
- - Rhys Higgins (Kilsyth) delivering 24 points and relentless drive to secure a win against Bendigo.
- - Mitchell Stretton (Geelong) showcasing his shooting range with five three-pointers across two games and 18 points in Geelong’s opening win.
Reflecting on the significance of the moment, Basketball Victoria Diversity and Inclusion Officer, Wheelchair Basketball, Elliott Knight said, “Beyond the scoreboard, Round 1 was about proving the concept works. Players spoke about pride in representing their local club and finally having a regular, structured competition in Victoria.”
The first weekend wasn’t just about points and percentages. It was about clubs building identity, athletes testing themselves against state-wide opposition, and Victorian wheelchair basketball moving forward. The results set the tone, but the bigger win was the competition itself finally coming to life.
The next round will be held at Beyond Bank Stadium Geelong, on Saturday September 20, with all six teams converging for another full day of competition.
The inaugural VWBL season will run across September and October, featuring three home-and-away rounds and culminating in a finals round at the State Basketball Centre on October 11th.. The VWBL is providing Victorian associations with a consistent annual competition and platform to showcase the state’s top wheelchair basketball talent and a great step forward for our wheelchair basketball pathway in Victoria.
If you would like to know more about the league, click here .
To follow the league and your associations success click below.
