AFL Fans Association welcomes Chris Henderson as Patron and with four new committee members now has national representation
AFL FANS ASSOCIATION (AFLFA): “GIVING FOOTY FANS A VOICE”
The AFL Fans Association is delighted to announce the appointment of Chris Henderson as Patron, joining esteemed Patrons Susan Alberti AC, Jason Ball and Che-Cockatoo Collins.
Debbie Hall, AFLFA committee member & Disability, Diversity &Inclusion Fan Liaison Manager said, “I am looking forward to working with Chris, especially during AFLW season 10, where accessibility issues can arise with suburban grounds being used. Making certain everyone has the ability to attend AFL footy is paramount to inclusiveness within the industry.”
Originally from Ballarat, Victoria, Henderson enjoyed a successful local football career, including a stint with East Perth in the WAFL during the late 1990s. In late 2017, he was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), a life-altering moment that reignited his passion for sport through wheelchair football.
He joined the Richmond Wheelchair Football Team in 2019, where he was awarded the club’s Best and Fairest, and named Best on Ground in the Grand Final, helping secure Richmond’s premiership. Appointed captain in 2020, he led the team to another premiership in 2022. His leadership extended to the state level, where he captained Victoria to an undefeated national championship win in 2022.
In October 2024, Henderson embraced a new challenge as the playing Senior Coach of the Essendon Wheelchair Football Club. Bringing a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, he aims to lead the Bombers to their first wheelchair premiership
Beyond the court, Henderson is a passionate advocate for disability inclusion in sports. He is the founder of the Freedom Sports Foundation, a registered not-for-profit charity dedicated to creating positive sporting experiences for young people with disabilities.
“I’m excited to work with the AFLFA to amplify the voices of disability inclusion,” says Chris. “AFL should be a sport where everyone feels welcome and excited to enjoy our great game.”
New committee members announced at the AGM
At the 2025 Annual General Meeting held on 29 April, four new members joined the committee, giving the AFLFA committee representation in all states.
Ron Issko, President of the AFL Fans Association said, “A national committee ensures we understand and can advocate for fans across Australia at our regular meetings with the AFL.”
The new committee members are:
- Anthony Cohen - Swans fan based in New South Wales
- Anne-Maree Smith – Saints fan, Tasmania
- Peter Ballucci – Pies fan, Western Australia
- Ben Van Raay– Hawks fan, Victoria
“We now have a 12-member volunteer committee working to give fans a voice and to continually improve the fan experience,” Ron said.
Please join us in warmly welcoming Chris Henderson as a Patron of the AFL Fans Association, and the four new committee members.
AFLFA membership is free, and fans are encouraged to join at www.aflfans.org.au
More information: Email: media@aflfans.org.au.