Local star aiming for Bombers’ redemption story

WHILE Richmond may have taken the win over Essendon in the 2022 Victorian Wheelchair Football League grand final, redemption is now on the agenda.

The Essendon squad will be seeking to turn the tables in a rematch in Bendigo at Red Energy Area on Sunday 20 August.

Bendigo’s Caleb Logan was named VWFL Best and Fairest last year and has been in the league playing for the Bombers since it began six years ago.

Logan, who is also the basketball social media coordinator at Red Energy Arena, said the hometown match has been in the works for three years due to COVID delays.

“Every game’s pretty much in Melbourne and it’s still growing the sport, so to be able to get it to different places instead of just Melbourne would really help grow it,” he said.

“I’m excited it’s happening. There’s a few Bendigo players in there that are really excited to come and show their talent.”

Other local names on the team sheets include Hayden Farley for the Bombers and Chris Henderson lining up for Richmond.

The Bombers have had an up and down 2023, and while they’ve registered some big wins they’ve also had to come back from heavy losses.

“Richmond aren’t travelling too well themselves, so it will be a big game in terms of both our seasons,” said Logan.

“Bit of pressure, really looking forward to it. I’d like for us to have a win, I wouldn’t mind having a few goals in front of a home crowd.”

In anticipation of the match, Logan said the team will make several public appearances to build hype for the game, and the sport in general.

“We’re going to a few schools on the Thursday and Friday, and we’ve got a Footy for Fun program on the Saturday and Sunday during which we’ll get everyone in chairs to have a go,” he said.

“It will be good for the growth of the sport. We’re starting our own Auskick program, so to get kids in would be massive.”