After a challenging year flooded with disruptions, Hawthorn's AFL Blind and Wheelchair Football teams are finally preparing to resume their seasons.

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Excitement is surrounding the club as the teams look to get back on the football field for the first time in months due to COVID-19.

Here’s all the details you need to know regarding the return to play for both leagues.

AFL Blind

Hawthorn’s AFL Blind team will re-enter the competition in a strong position with two wins from two games as they currently sit in second place on the ladder.

Melanie Edge is leading the team from the front as captain, while Ned Brewer-Maiga and John Boland were consistent performers in the early rounds.

Cebby Johnson will again be looking to score plenty of goals in 2021, with some young talent around him looking to hit the scoreboard as well including Ollie Oglethorpe and Pat Whelan.

Edge said despite the disrupted season, the support from AFL Victoria and Hawthorn has continued to be “amazing”.

“It feels really good to be back, and to know that league is valued. I am keen to getting back to seeing everyone again,” Edge said.

“The commitment means a lot and demonstrates that they aren’t writing off people with a disability.”

The AFL Blind competition is set to resume on Saturday November 13.

The rest of the rounds will follow before finals kick off on Saturday November 27 with the grand final scheduled for Saturday December 4.

Wheelchair Football

The remainder of the Victorian Wheelchair Football League’s 2021 season will be played across three weekends in November.

The Hawks VWFL team has played two games – unfortunately accounting for two losses – while the Community Cup team has played three games, including two wins.

Jaylen Brown starred in Hawthorn’s first round, as young talent James Gilders and new members such as Matt Ingram and Gerard McCarthy have also shown promising development.

Hawks VWFL captain Joanna Argaet said her teammates were “excited to be able to put on the jumper" again.

The Hawks will take on Collingwood and Essendon on Sunday November 14 for the final round of the season before the finals kick off on Sunday November 21.

All the dates

*All return to play dates are subject to State Government COVID-19 restrictions.

AFL Blind

  • Saturday 13th November (Rounds 3,4 & 5)
  • Saturday 20th November (Rounds 6,7 & 8)
  • Saturday 27th November (Round 9 & Semi Finals)
  • Saturday 4th December (Grand Final)

VWFL

  • Sunday 14thNovember (Last Round of Matches)
  • Sunday 21stNovember (Semi Finals)
  • Sunday 28thNovember (Grand Final)

For more updates on AFL Blind and VWFL make sure to stay tuned across hawthornfc.com.au and the club’s social media channels.

“Hawthorn’s Wheelchair Football and AFL Blind teams are made possible thanks to the support of the club’s 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.”