‘Past doesn’t matter’: New look Australian wheelchair rugby team chasing golden dream in Paris

The Australian wheelchair rugby team secured gold at the 2012 and 2016 Paralympics, then 2021 in Tokyo, no medal. The team for Paris is looking to put that blip in the dustbin of history.

Australian wheelchair rugby captain Chris Bond sees the 2024 Paralympic Games as a “clean slate”, not as a shot at redemption.

The Steelers will be aiming to put the disappointment of a fourth place finish at Tokyo 2020 behind them on the back of dominant performances on the world stage since then.

Bond, who was named captain after Tokyo, was part of the Australian team which claimed the 2022 World Championships and are currently ranked number one in the world.

The unexpected result in Tokyo came after two straight gold medals in 2012 and 2016 which now 38-year-old Bond was part of.

Chris Bond in Tokyo during the last Paralympics. Picture: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images

Five debutants including Brayden Foxley-Conolly, Beau Vernon, Emilie Miller, James McQuillan and Josh Nicholson have been selected in the 12-players Steelers squad which will be headlined by Bond and fellow star Ryley Batt.

“The past doesn’t matter,” Bond said.

“Tokyo was three years ago and when you think about it, six of our athletes weren’t there, that’s half of our team so we don’t really think about it.

“It was the toughest team to select for the coaching staff. We’ve had players in abundance we’ve had to cut to make this team which has never happened before.

“Everybody understands the responsibility of being part of this 12. This is a new team, a new group. In the same vein, our opposition has new players who weren’t there as well.

“Everyone’s back to zero, a clean slate. That first game is what it’s all about.”

James McQuillan (C) will join Bond on the team of 12 for Paris. Picture: Moto Yoshimura/Getty Images

Despite having one of the most impressive wheelchair rugby resumes in the world, Bond said leading his country on the Paralympic stage was a significant achievement.

Since the last Paralympics, the Aussies have reminded everyone why they are the team to beat in Paris after winning the World Championships in 2022 with Bond as captain.

“I’ve achieved a lot in the sport but I’ve never captained my country at a Paralympic Games, that’s going to be very special,” he said.

“For me internally and for my family and back home it is a real honour. For me, it’s a job, it’s a role I need to play.

“I can keep that excitement, I will have it early and when I’m there (in Paris) it’s all about my role on the team and then I’ll reflect on it after”.

Bond said the Steelers’ team chemistry post-Tokyo on and off the court had been one of the keys to the success.

“I think that’s been one of the reasons, coming together and setting some core values, our Steelers way, and playing as a team, not for the individual,” he said.

The Steelers squad features three female athletes for the first time including Miller, Shae Graham and Ella Sabljak, who competed at Tokyo in wheelchair basketball.

Brad Dubberley is the team’s coach.