A new, adapted version of Aussie rules is changing lives in Melbourne with a league for the vision impaired, and players are relishing the opportunity to take the field.
abc.net.au/news/how-afl-blind-is-creating-opportunities-for-the-vision-impaired/101796498Bridget Jolley has always loved watching AFL and has always wanted to play, but — up until four years ago — she had never had the opportunity.In August 2017, Bridget came across a post on social media calling for expressions of interest to develop an Aussie rules competition for people who are blind or vision impaired.
"I'm quite proud of being captain of my team and having that camaraderie within the team and the messages from others who appreciate being supported, and getting the chance to play."We do get people travelling so far to play [including from interstate] and this shows that it's something that a lot of people are really passionate about. It's really nice to be part of that," Bridget said.
"I have a colleague who plays for Essendon, and he suggested I come down and play this season. So, I came down to the Come and Try Day and gave it a go, and I haven't looked back since," Penny said.While the number of female players has doubled in the past year, there are still more than 40 men but only six women who play AFL Blind.
For all the hugs and high fives, Courtney says that doesn't mean they take their games any less seriously.AFL Blind was launched in 2018, with games played at Action Indoor Sports in Tullamarine, Melbourne. Classification C is for players who have limited vision but use vision as their primary tracking sense
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