Hawthorn’s AFL Blind team is set to compete in the Victorian Blind Football League Grand Final on Sunday morning at Action Indoor Sports Tullamarine, aiming to add another trophy to their collection. The Hawks secured the league’s top prize in 2019, and last year, Hawthorn Brown (one of two Hawthorn teams in the competition) claimed victory.
A key factor in the team’s success is AFL Blind Captain Ned Brewer Maiga. Brewer Maiga was part of the inaugural Hawks team, is a 2019 premiership player, a five-time club best and fairest, and captained the Hawks Gold team, which finished runner-up last year. He has also represented Australia in blind cricket and soccer. Speaking to Talking Hawks, Brewer Maiga shared the team’s excitement ahead of the Grand Final.
“I’m super excited,” he said. “We’re really fortunate to have the opportunity to play footy. It’s amazing for us and our community. To play in another Grand Final is something we’re very proud of. We’ve had great wins this year and are confident going into the game. We’re looking forward to enjoying the day and hopefully lifting another cup for our football club.”
Brewer Maiga’s involvement with Hawthorn extends beyond AFL Blind. As a passionate Hawks fan, he also works within the club’s community team, delivering the Hawks For All program, which educates children about living with a disability through activities like wearing vision-impaired glasses or playing football in a wheelchair.
“I got a job at the club in 2019 and run many programs within the all-abilities communities,” Brewer Maiga said. “These programs build understanding and awareness of disability. I’m proud and privileged to be part of the Hawthorn Football Club. As a massive Hawks fan, playing and working for the club is a dream come true.”
For those unfamiliar with AFL Blind, Brewer Maiga explained the main differences between the sport and traditional AFL.
“Our footy is bright yellow/green, like a highlighter, and has a buzzer for players with limited vision,” he said. “There are changes to marking rules, and we have audible cues like maracas behind the goals. Communication is crucial, and tackling is replaced by a two-hand touch, similar to tiggy.”
Since its inception in 2019, AFL Blind has grown significantly. Brewer Maiga praised the club and the league for their advocacy and efforts to improve the sport.
“We’re happy to see people from across the country playing Blind AFL,” he said. “The sport has a bright future. Our club is passionate about inclusion, providing opportunities to play, watch, and experience footy. It’s an honor to be part of this.”
After Sunday’s Grand Final, Brewer Maiga will travel to Queensland in November to represent Australia in the Blind and Low Vision Ashes.
“I’m privileged to be part of the Australian Blind cricket team,” he said. “Getting the Baggy Green is one of my biggest achievements. I’ve traveled the world playing sports, especially cricket, and representing my country in both cricket and soccer is an incredible honor.”
Hawthorn fans are encouraged to support the AFL Blind team at Action Sports Tullamarine on Sunday morning. Entry is free, and the game starts at 10am. For those unable to attend, the match will be live-streamed, with updates provided on Hawthorn’s inclusion social media channels, Hawks For All.