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The Australian Steelers celebrated a unique career milestone for their head coach Brad Dubberley by hammering Switzerland in their Paris 2024 Paralympic Qualifying Tournament opener.
In his 300th match as Steelers head coach, Dubberley instructed his team to be ruthless and his direction was followed intently as the reigning wheelchair rugby world champions delivered him a 60 – 40 victory in Wellington, New Zealand on Wednesday.
The Steelers immediately overwhelmed their Swiss opponents (ranked 12th), whose first 10 possessions ended with seven turnovers, including the first three. The Steelers converted by scoring the first four goals of the contest and by not making their first mistake until late in the first half.
It was exactly the start Dubberley was looking for, with the Steelers needing to finish in the top three at the tournament to secure their qualification for the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
“Great to get the result but we know we have to improve a lot as the tournament progresses,” Dubberley said.
“I thought it was awesome how we started that game. We shut them down from the get-go, which is what we wanted to do.”
Dubberley showed uncharacteristic emotion in the pre-match team meeting when his athletes and fellow coaching staff recognised the achievement of becoming the first Australian head coach in history to reach the 300 milestone.
“I’ve been very fortunate over all these years to lead such a great program, our athletes and staff. It’s been a privilege to coach some of the most dominant athletes and line-ups in the sport’s history,” he said.
“It’s been emotional. The team put together a video that they showed me before the game with messages from my partner and my kids, family, friends, past team-mates, colleagues and athletes from throughout my career.
“I’m grateful for the support I have received from everyone. It definitely means a lot because I have devoted so much time and effort into this role. I enjoy what we do and the lives that we change and I’m really appreciative of it all.”
The Steelers’ attention now turns to Colombia, who they meet on Thursday. A convinving victory will secure their position in Saturday’s semi-final.
The Colombians (ranked 10th) have no second chance after going down 58-51 to Germany in their opening match.
Australian captain Chris Bond is expecting a torrid contest.
“Given our world ranking [two], we’re expected to win and win well. But Colombia has to win every game now to get to the Paris Paralympics,” Bond said.
“That is why we are all here. The Colombians are not going to lay back and let us take this win.
“There’s going to be no love lost. We’re going to be as ruthless and as hungry as we can, shut them out.”
Paris 2024 Paralympic Qualifying Tournament
Wellington, New Zealand
Wednesday March 20
Australia 60 defeated Switzerland 40
Thursday March 21
Australia vs Colombia @ 1:30pm ADST
Friday March 22
Australia vs Germany @ 4:30pm ADST
Saturday March 23
Semi-Finals
Sunday March 24
Medal Matches*
*The gold, silver and bronze medal winning teams earn qualification to the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.
Pool A
Australia (ranked 2nd)
Colombia (10th)
Germany (9th)
Switzerland (12th)
Pool B
Brazil (ranked 11)
Canada (5th)
Netherlands (15th)
New Zealand (8th)
By: Tim Mannion, Paralympics Australia
Published: 20 March 2024
