Big V: Cody Walker accepts his Victorian jumper. Photo: EFNC
Some of the region's brightest school-age football talents made their way to Ballarat last week for the School Sports Australia under-15 National Championships, and one young gun didn't come back empty-handed.
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St Joseph’s College student Cody Walker helped Victoria claim a thrilling premiership as a quartet of local students competed in the Big V jumper.
Walker made his presence felt for Victoria Navy as the side toppled Western Australia 4.11 (35) to 5.0 (30) in Sunday's grand final at City Oval in Ballarat, contributing a goal and earning a place in the Vic's best players.
The performance capped off an impressive week for the Echuca Football Club talent, who ended the week with five goals for the tournament and was named in the best players in three out of the State's five games, including a best-on-ground showing against New South Wales as Victoria went undefeated through the tournament.
The Murray Bombers' young gun was duly rewarded for a stellar tournament with a spot in the under-15 All-Australian side.
An excellent achievement, and he won't be the only Walker seeking state footy glory in 2023.
Brother and St Mary's student Arli will be in action for Victoria for the under-12 side, who get their under-12 championship campaign underway in Albury this weekend.
St Joseph's Marlon Micalizzi will don the Big V as well, with Victoria's first clash coming against Western Australia this Sunday at Lavington.
Meanwhile, another Echuca star, Kristian Fitzsimmons, was also in action last week, suiting up for Victoria White.
Victoria won two of their three pool games to qualify for finals, comfortably accounting for the ACT by 102 points before toppling Queensland by 40 points in the second clash, Fitzsimmons playing a starring role in that clash.
Defeat to Victoria Navy ended Victoria White's shot at the grand final, falling to South Australia by seven points in the bronze medal match.
In the under-15 women's competition, St Joseph's duo Beth Morris and Elise Napier stepped out for Victoria White.
Leader: Elise Napier receives her Victoria jumper, named vice-captain of the side. Photo: EJFC
Napier was bestowed vice-captaincy, leading from the front in the best players during the first two games of the carnival.
