‘Everyone needs to play’: How St Kilda’s inclusion teams are growing the game for all.
Learn about St Kilda Blind AFL Captain Shannon Jones and Wheelchair Football Premiership player Nathan Tanner on International Day of People with Disabilities.
Football has always been a sport for everyone, but it has only recently been accessible to those who were previously unable to participate.
Nathan Tanner, a St Kilda Wheelchair Football player, and Shannon Jones, a St Kilda Blind AFL player and captain, value their enthusiasm for the sport beyond personal and team successes.
Today, on International Day of People with Disabilities (IDPwD), learn more about two of St Kilda’s trailblazers from its two community leagues, how they’ve seen the inclusion space develop and grow across the club, and how they’re encouraging everyone, regardless of ability, to participate.
Shannon, when did your football adventure begin?
SJ: I started playing football at the age of five. I’ve always played football. My father was a coach for the local footy team, and I grew up around the club… I was a bit annoying! I played over 250 games for my local club and tried out for the Western Jets.
I was diagnosed with retinitis pigmentosa in 2012, and I assumed that my football career and athletic days were over. It wasn’t until 2015 that I discovered Blind AFL and got back into it.
I was going through a difficult period, and my wife was tired of seeing me on the sofa, having a pity party for myself, so she pushed me to find a blind activity to participate in. I found Blind AFL and attended a come-and-try day. I was hesitant to go along with it at first, but I am so glad I did.
And, Nathan, football was not your first sport, is that correct?
NT: Despite growing up with cerebral palsy, I’ve always been a fan of football. My first parasport involvement was in para ice hockey, and one of my teammates, Joe Chivers, played for Hawthorn in the Victorian Wheelchair Football League, which I was unaware of at the time. I started
with him and then talked to him about football, and it all started soon before COVID.
I went to a come-and-try day and have enjoyed it ever since. Growing up, I had a passion for football, but never saw myself playing for an AFL side. Now I play for St Kilda, which is very fantastic!
How have the VWFL and VBFL grown since you initially started?
NT: The league’s level and standard have improved with the addition of high-class players from St Kilda and other teams. I believe we are being perceived as athletes, and the way we prepare and train has grown across the league, because we are athletes, right? We need to adopt the attitude of athletes.
SJ: Completely agree.The Blind League is perhaps a little different from the Wheelchair League in that it does not have as many participants. Having said that, the caliber of the players who have emerged has been outstanding. Just being a member of the club is quite special.
How have you seen the club evolve in terms of inclusivity and ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can participate?
SJ: Our club has prioritized inclusivity. Prior to Hawthorn entering the contests with their AFLW squad, we were the only side in the league to have a men’s, women’s, wheelchair, and blind team, which is something to be very proud of. The club’s efforts in the inclusion space is incredible. Second to none.
NT: In addition, the goal is to play for an Australian Football League squad. Not many individuals in Australia can say, ‘Oh, I played for an AFL team’. To be able to do that, to express that, is beyond description.
Shannon, your effort with SaintsPlay has also had a significant impact in getting people engaged in our game who would not have had the opportunity otherwise. How much does that matter to you?
SJ: Wow, it’s massive. I am a huge advocate for inclusivity. I think that everyone, regardless of skill, gender, or hobbies, can and should do sports. Sport brings people together and is beneficial for mental and physical health. Everyone should participate.
I had a little girl the other week at our SaintsPlay program in Seaford; we’ve been working on her kicking for two years, and she’s finally getting boot to ball all night. Moments like these are such a highlight.
Discover how SaintsPlay is making football inclusive for everyone.
Follow Anthony Caminiti and his brother Daniel as they participate in a SaintsPlay session provided by IKON. SaintsPlay is a club project that makes the game accessible to those with autism, ADHD, and other learning disabilities.
What are your own proudest moments during your time with the Saints?
NT: I had many memorable moments and experiences. I believe that winning the Community Wheelchair Football League Premiership last year in 2023 was a very notable feat. But I believe that the general sense of belonging that participating provides, whether within a league or a sport, is more valuable than a championship win in and of itself.
I believe I can show up, offer my everything, and help others give their all. I want to encourage them and make them feel like they’re valuable. I believe wheelchair AFL is a sport for everyone. For example, Piers Wall, my best friend on our squad, is able-bodied and can play on the same team as me. Participating in wheelchair football provides everyone with a sense of equality, belonging, and success.
What advice would you provide to somebody interested in becoming involved?
NT: It may be the finest thing they’ve ever done. I believe that what you can offer to football is more important than what you can receive out of it. And I believe that everyone, regardless of skill level or experience, has something to offer a football or athletic team. So my best suggestion is to simply show up when I come and try it. Give your everything, regardless of your leadership or talent, and you will have something to offer.
SJ:Just to reiterate what Nathan mentioned, it’s a sense of community. I would encourage everyone to come down and try their hand at it. You’ll be shocked at how friendly and welcoming everyone is, especially our St Kilda players. We want to see everyone succeed, get active, and try new things.
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