Juniors

AFL Barwon wishes to congratulate the below players who have been selected in the 2023 AFL Barwon Junior Talent Academy squads.

The AFL Barwon Junior Talent Academies in 2023 consist of an Under 15 boys and a combined Under 14/15 girl's squads. An Under 14 boy's squad will be released at a later date and will commence later in the season.

Players will undertake an intensive program that will focus skill and education development. The program will be coordinated by the AFL Barwon V-Line Cup coaches in a collaboration with Rookie Me and their expert coaching team.

Details of training sessions and dates has been sent to the players selected.

Under 15 Boy's Squad

Under 14 & 15 Girls Squad

AFL Barwon wishes to congratulate the below players who have been selected in the Under 14 Boy's 2023 AFL Barwon Junior Talent Academy squads.

The AFL Barwon Junior Talent Academies in 2023 consist of an Under 15 boys and a combined Under 14/15 girl's squads which have already been released.

The Under 14 boy's squad will commence training on the 2nd of August at Winter Reserve.

Players will undertake an intensive program that will focus skill and education development. The program will be coordinated by the AFL Barwon appointed coaches in a collaboration with Rookie Me and their expert coaching team.

The list of players selected can be found below.

AFL Barwon is excited to announce that the 2023 Kempe AFL Barwon Junior Grand Finals will take place at the Lara Recreation Reserve, utilizing both of its ovals. The selection of the hosting venues was made by the AFL Barwon Staff and Commission after all AFL Barwon clubs had the chance to submit applications to host.

To accommodate ground availabilities and support the dedicated club volunteers, the Under 14 and Under 16 games will be spread across Saturday’s and Sunday’s during the final’s series.

Lara Recreation Reserve has a successful history of hosting major finals events, including the Kempe Junior Finals in 2018 and the Epworth Female Football Finals in 2019.

Chris Spence, Chair of the Lara Sports Club Football Section, expressed gratitude to AFL Barwon for entrusting their club with hosting the junior grand finals. He mentioned that the event would showcase the exceptional talent of Under 14 and Under 16 boys' football in the Barwon region. Planning for the weekend is already underway, and the Lara Football Netball Club eagerly anticipates welcoming players, families, and supporters for an action-packed program of matches.

AFL Barwon's Region General Manager, Edward Wilson, extended his thanks to Lara FNC for their support in hosting the 2023 Kempe AFL Barwon Junior Male Football Finals Series. Acknowledging the scale of these competitions, he emphasized that the two days would be memorable both on and off the field. The diligence and proactive efforts of all host Clubs - Geelong Amateur FNC, Lara FNC, North Geelong FNC, Ocean Grove Cobras FC, Ocean Grove FNC, & Surf Coast Suns FNC during the three weeks of finals was greatly appreciated.

The full schedule for the Kempe AFL Barwon Junior Football Finals Series is as follows:

Kempe AFL Barwon Junior Football Finals Series

Week 1 - Semi Finals

Saturday August 19th & Sunday August 20

Queens Park Reserve - KFC Oval and Shaw Oval (Geelong Amateurs FNC)                                 

Ray Menzies Oval – (Ocean Grove FNC)        

Collendina Reserve – (Ocean Grove Cobras FC)                        

Osborne Park – (North Geelong FNC)

Week 2 - Preliminary Finals

Saturday August 26th & Sunday August 27^th

Banyul Warri Fields - Polwarth Oval & Grenville Oval (Surf Coast Suns FNC)                 

Week 3 - Grand Finals

Saturday September 2^nd & Sunday September 3^rd

Lara Recreation Reserve - Bisinella Oval and Lara Recreation Reserve Oval 2 (Lara Football Netball Club)

Latest News

We are thrilled to congratulate all the players who have been crowned as winners at this season Kempe AFL Barwon Junior Football Under 16 and Under 14 Boys and Girls Best and Fairest Counts.

The best and fairest awards include votes from all grading and post grading matches with the accumulated votes determining the winner(s) for each division.

The list of winners for each division can be found below.

Under 16 Div 1 Buckley's Cup 

Cliff Rankin Medallist - Archer Chamberlain (St Joseph’s)

Runner Up - William Nicholls (Geelong West)

Full Leaderboard 

Under 16 Division 2 Kempe Cup

Jim Vivian Medallist - Hamish Andrews (St Albans)

Runner Up - Lachlan Blacket (Barwon Heads)

Full Leaderboard

Under 16 Division 3 Geelong Advertiser Cup

Ray Ettridge Medallist - Rex Suvoltos (St Joseph’s)

Runner Up - Callan Atkinson (Drysdale)

Full Leaderboard

Under 16 Division 4 Rookie Me Cup

Dieter Vetter Medallist - Ethan Waldron (Surf Coast)

Runner Up - Edward O’Neill (Geelong Amateur)

Runner Up - Samuel Cations (Inverleigh)

Full Leaderboard

Under 16 Division 5 Kempe Cup

Winner - Luke House (Bell Park)

Runner Up - Benjamin Miles (East Geelong)

Runner Up - Hudson Yockins (Bell Park)

Full Leaderboard

Under 14 Division 1 Kempe Cup

Winner - Daniel May (St Mary’s)

Runner Up - Harry Lindsay (Newtown & Chilwell)

Full Leaderboard

Under 14 Division 2 Buckley's Cup

John Edsall Medallist - William Blake (Bell Park)

Runner Up - Zac Belcher (Drysdale)

Full Leaderboard 

Under 14 Division 3 Geelong Advertiser Cup

Winner - Angus Baker (East Geelong)

Runner Up - Davey Gibbs (Bannockburn)

Full Leaderboard

Under 14 Division 4 Rookie Me Cup

Winner - Brody Munn (Leopold)

Runner Up - Ashley Muscat (Portarlington)

Full Leaderboard

Under 14 Division 5 Kempe Cup

Winner - Samuel McKracken (Newcomb)

Runner Up - Adam Jervies (Bell Post Hill/Anakie)

Full Leaderboard

Under 14 Division 6 Kings Cup

Winner - Joshua Roberts (Armstrong Creek)

Runner Up - Bailey Taylor (Drysdale)

Full Leaderboard

U14 & U16 Female Football Awards 

Under 14 Female Division 1 Epworth Cup

Winner - Sienna Schmidt (Torquay)

Runner Up - Addison Giles (St Mary’s)

Full Leaderboard

Under 14 Female Division 2 Kings Cup

Winner - Winter Davies (Barwon Heads)

Runner Up - Magdalene Porra (Surf Coast)

Full Leaderboard

Under 16 Female Division 1 Epworth Cup

Winner - Charlee Morrow (Lara)

Runner Up - Holly Confoy (Ocean Grove)

Runner Up - Jemma Andrews (Geelong Amateur)

Full Leaderboard

Under 16 Female Division 2 Kings Cup

Sienna Bilinski (Bell Park/Geelong West)

Runner Up - Kiya Conor (Bell Park/Geelong West)

Full Leaderboard

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We are thrilled to extend our congratulations to the exceptional young talents from the AFL Barwon region who have earned their spot on the V/Line Cup squad for the upcoming 2023 carnival in Shepparton!  This is a tremendous achievement, and their hard work and dedication have truly paid off.

The V/Line Cup, an annual showcase of emerging football talent, promises to be an exciting event this year, with our own Barwon representatives taking the stage on September 25th and 26th. The two action-packed days will feature games against formidable opponents, making it a fantastic opportunity for these young players to test their skills and leave a lasting impression.

On Monday, September 25th, our AFL Barwon stars will face off against the formidable Gippsland team. This game is sure to be a thrilling contest, and our players are well-prepared to demonstrate their prowess on the field. Then, on Tuesday, September 26th, they will go head-to-head against the South East squad, showcasing their determination and passion for the game.

The V/Line Cup is not only a platform for players to exhibit their football talents but also a chance to develop and grow as players.

Stay tuned for updates on our AFL Barwon social media platforms across the week.

Under 15 Boy's Division 1 Squad

Noah Williams (Bell Park)

Henry Miller (Geelong Amateur)

Archer Chamberlain (St Josephs)

Darcy Harrington (Ocean Grove)

Dan Shaw (Barwon Heads)

Ned Badrock (Ocean Grove)

Bohdi Hateley (Ocean Grove)

Jack Thomson (Ocean Grove)

Jake Findlay (Anglesea)

Fletcher Pulleine (Lara)

Alex Baulch (Torquay)

Tom Teague (Ocean Grove)

John Fitzgerald (Geelong Amateur)

Charlie Hanegraaf (Geelong Amateur)

Jack Pickett (Torquay)

Josh Thompson (Torquay)

Charlie Whitehead (Barwon Heads)

Fletcher Harty (Irrewarra-Beeac)

Riley McLeod (St Josephs)

Max Chambers (Lara)

Reuben Long (Newtown & Chilwell)

Charlie Gray (Torquay)

Coaches

Head Coach: Hamish Easton

Assistant Coaches: Scott Lindsay, Paul Hood, Dean Goodear

Under 15 Boy's Division 2 Squad

Archer Warrick (St Josephs)

Lukas Young (Grovedale)

Baxter Golding (St Marys)

Kye Perrett (South Barwon)

Jonathon Punchard (Ocean Grove)

Bodhi Black (Geelong West Giants)

Fletcher Bent (St Marys)

Max Sleep (St Marys)

Sage Losinno (Geelong West Giants)

Oliver Cincotta (Barwon Heads)

Joel Bartley (Barwon Heads)

Xavier Collins (Torquay)

Blake Middleton (Irrewarra-Beeac)

Ashton Middleton (Irrewarra-Beeac)

William Nicholls (Bell Park)

Dan Bilinski (Inverleigh)

Lachlan Blacket (Barwon Heads)

Hamish Darroch (Birregurra)

Tamar Holt (Apollo Bay)

William Hibble (St Josephs)

Heath Langley (Bannockburn)

Oscar Kattwinkel (Geelong Amateur)

Coaches

Head Coach: James O’Connor

Assistant Coaches: Luke Parsons, Dave McNeel, Adam Vaughan

Under 15 Girl's Division 1 Squad

Ahlia McDonald (Bannockburn)

Amy Litaize (Torquay)

Ashley Richie (St Josephs)

Ava Bilyk (St Marys)

Charlee Morrow (Lara)

Claudia Collins (Barwon Heads)

Crystal Kelly (Leopold)

Emie Dowling-Button (Portarlington)

Esme Conlan (St Marys)

Evie Albones (Torquay)

Evie Perez (Drysdale)

Francesca Burleigh (South Barwon)

Grace Carroll (Geelong Amateur)

Greea McKeegan (Torquay)

Jayde Morrissy (Newtown & Chilwell)

Jayme Lasky (Lara)

Kiarni Low (Bell Park)

Kiya Conor (Geelong West)

Lua Payne (St Marys)

Meyah Fursland (St Josephs)

Milla Wall (Torquay)

Shae Conor (Geelong West)

Sophie Nolan (South Barwon)

Teliah Tkaczuk (St Josephs)

Coaches

Head Coach: Ava McKeegan

Assistant Coaches: Sachi Degiacomi, Charlotte Simpson

Latest News

Ballarat is all set to host the V/Line Cup for the first time, with 600 of the best under 15 footballers from country Victoria to participate in the annual carnival from Monday 23 to Wednesday 25 September, 2024.   The 75th edition of the carnival will take place in AFL Grand Final week, with programs in the process of locking in squads, some of which have been confirmed (link to submitted squads below).   The V/Line Cup comprises three divisions – two boys divisions and a girls division – and features representative teams from seven regions, playing in a total of 21 matches. Each team will contest two matches over the three days, with 70 emerging umpires to officiate the competition. Click here to view the 2024 V/Line Cup playing squads Click here to view the 2024 V/Line Cup fixture on PlayHQ

L to R: Cr Daniel Moloney (City of Ballarat), Kodi Jacques (Essendon FC), Zane Duursma (North Melbourne FC), Macy Irvin, Audrey Murnane, Ruot Lual and Harrison Walsh (V/Line Cup GWV Rebels players), Jason Muldoon (AFL Victoria Region Manager), Jonathan McKeown (Executive Director - Network Development, Asset & Maintenance, V/Line) at Ballarat Station on Wednesday 11 September, 2024

Mars Stadium, Marty Busch Recreation Reserve in Sebastopol and Learmonth Reserve are the venues hosting matches over the three days of play.   The V/Line Cup is Victoria's premier under 15 representative footy carnival for country boys and girls, with a rich history dating back to 1949, when the title was won by Goulburn Valley.   A girls division has been part of the program since 2010.   V/Line has been the carnival’s naming rights sponsor since 2004 and AFL Victoria recently announced an extension of its long-standing V/Line partnership.   This tournament is an important part of Victoria’s talent pathway system, providing aspiring young footballers with an opportunity to showcase their skills and put forward a case for selection for Coates Talent League lists in years to come.   The City of Ballarat will welcome V/Line Cup participants, their families and spectators to the historic Goldfields city. With some of the finest sporting facilities in regional Victoria, Ballarat has established itself as a destination for sporting events. The event is expected to have a significant positive impact on the local economy.   Players and their families will travel from across the state to be involved. There will be free entry to all match days, and all games will be live streamed.   The 2024 carnival will feature boys and girls teams representing the following regions: Bendigo Pioneers Geelong Falcons Gippsland Power Goulburn Murray Bushrangers Greater Western Victoria Rebels North East Border Bushrangers South East Stingrays   Head of AFL Victoria, Greg Madigan, said:“Congratulations to all players selected to represent their regions in the 2024 V/Line Cup, the premier annual carnival for the best under 15 boys and girls footballers from across country Victoria.   “The V/Line Cup has a rich history dating back to 1949 and is an important part of the talent pathway system, which gives young players from country regions the opportunity to showcase their skills ahead of trying out for Coates Talent League lists in years to come.   “I would like to acknowledge V/Line’s ongoing support of country footy in Victoria and thank the City of Ballarat for hosting what will be a fantastic event in one of our state’s premier regional sporting locations.”   V/Line CEO Matt Carrick said:“V/Line is incredibly proud of our ongoing support for the V/Line Cup, with the 2024 event marking 20 years of our partnership with AFL Victoria. “Having been previously staged in Gippsland and Shepparton, excitement is now building in Ballarat ahead of the event and we wish all players, umpires, coaches and support staff the best for the upcoming tournament.   “We’re passionate about being involved in the communities we serve, and we look forward to supporting the future of this fantastic carnival and seeing the next generation of rising stars showcase their skills.”   City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson, said: “We are honoured to be hosting the 2024 V/Line Cup, in what promises to be an exciting showcase of talent, dedication, and sportsmanship, as some of the most talented young Australian footballers from around the country come together to compete.   “At the City of Ballarat, we are incredibly proud of the sporting amenities we have, particularly in the Australian Rules Football space. It is a credit to our staff for their dedication to maintain and develop wonderful ovals and facilities.   “I wish all footballers and officials the best of luck and I hope all spectators enjoy their stay in Ballarat.”

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Get ready Geelong, the Cats are hosting a Superclinic this March!

As a 2024 registered NAB AFL Auskick participant you will have exclusive access to our Come & PLAY clinic delivered by expert AFL coaches with Geelong players!

Where:GMHBA Stadium, Geelong
When: Monday, 25th March
Time:4:00-5:00pm (registrations from 3.30pm
Ages: 5 - 12 years old 

Please register below to confirm your attendance, as spots are limited to only 300. We look forward to seeing you at GMHBA Stadium! Please complete one form per participant.

Please note that this exclusive offer is only for 2024 Auskick registered participants aged 5 - 12 years old. Further information will be shared via email once you have registered below. 

Auskick registration: https://play.afl/ 

Superclinic registration: https://forms.office.com/r/mp2rtm2hjq

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We are thrilled to congratulate all the players who have been crowned as winners at last night's Kempe AFL Barwon Junior Netball Best and Fairest Counts.

The awards included are for all Junior Netball competitions including Geelong FNL, Bellarine FNL & AFL Barwon Junior Netball.

The best and fairest awards include votes from all matches with the accumulated votes determining the winner(s) for each division.

The list of winners for each division and overall leaderboard can be found below.

Bellarine Football Netball League       

17/U Division 1 Kempe Cup             

Best & Fairest - Eden Henderson-Craig (Queenscliff)

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Emily Quinten (Ocean Grove)

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Grace Boland (Portarlington)

Runner Up Best & Fairest – Tae McGillivray (Anglesea)

Full Leaderboard

17/U Division 2 LBW Business & Wealth Advisors Cup            

Best & Fairest - Kailee Fisher (Drysdale)

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Bella O'Dwyer (Torquay)

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Louise Shaw (Geelong Amateur)

Full Leaderboard

15/U Division 1 Kempe Cup       

Best & Fairest - Olivia Bradshaw (Torquay)

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Adele Mills (Drysdale)

Full Leaderboard

15/U Division 2 Kempe Cup 

Best & Fairest - Phoebe Vaughan (Torquay)

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Zoey Davis (Newcomb)

Full Leaderboard

13/U Division 1 Kempe Cup              

Best & Fairest - Scarlotte Benney (Anglesea)

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Remy Sliwa (Torquay)

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Stella Peters (Geelong Amateur)

Full Leaderboard

13/U Division 2 Kempe Cup              

Best & Fairest - Ayla Winspear (Portarlington)

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Skye Quirk (Barwon Heads)

Full Leaderboard

Junior Coach Encouragement Award - Georgia Collett & Amelia Stanic (Ocean Grove)

Junior Trainee Umpire Encouragement Award - Emily Totton (Geelong Amateur)

DOW Junior Educational Scholarship - Philippa Norgard (Ocean Grove)

DOW Tertiary Educational Scholarship - Stephanie Reade (Torquay)

Geelong Football Netball League                                       

17/U Division 1 Kempe Cup                          

Best & Fairest - Abby Hay (Colac)            

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Amahni Harrison (Colac)             

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Mia Aitken (St Mary's)             

Full Leaderboard

17/U Division 2 Zena Sports Cup                            

Best & Fairest - Annette Flaherty (Colac)

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Shakira Dymke (South Barwon)            

Full Leaderboard

15/U Division 1 Read the Play Cup                            

Best & Fairest - Ayisha Balogun (Newtown & Chilwell)             

Best & Fairest - Emily McCormick (South Barwon)

Full Leaderboard

15/U Division 2 Coco Boutique Photography Cup                       

Best & Fairest - Riley Miles (South Barwon)         

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Lylah Rickard (Grovedale)             

Full Leaderboard

13/U Division 1 Geelong Advertiser Cup                            

Best & Fairest - Lily Sherman (South Barwon)      

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Lyla Irvine (Grovedale)             

Full Leaderboard

13/U Division 2 Geelong Advertiser Cup                         

Best & Fairest - Stella Foley (Colac)    

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Stevie Mooney (Newtown & Chilwell)             

Full Leaderboard

*Upon recount, Stella Foley has been determined outright winner

Junior Coach Encouragement Award - Tylah Paech (Newtown & Chilwell)   

Junior Trainee Umpire Encouragement Award - Erin McGinness (South Barwon)        

AFL Barwon Junior Netball                      

13/U Division 3 Corio Bay Health Group Cup      

Best & Fairest - Emma Henderson (Surf Coast Suns)             

Best & Fairest - Meg Muhor (Newtown & Chilwell)

Best & Fairest - Phoebe Whitehead (Newtown & Chilwell)            

Full Leaderboard

13/U Division 4 Corio Bay Health Group Cup                            

Best & Fairest - Willa Webb (Surf Coast Suns)      

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Meg Taylor (Surf Coast Suns)    

Full Leaderboard

13/U Division 5 Corio Bay Health Group Cup                            

Best & Fairest - Elodie Keating (Newtown & Chilwell)             

Best & Fairest - Sharvarntay Edwards (Newtown & Chilwell)            

Full Leaderboard

13/U Division 6 Corio Bay Health Group Cup                            

Best & Fairest - Jorja Biscan (Bannockburn)         

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Isla Schiller (Bannockburn)             

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Sabrina Inderberg (Geelong Amateur)        

Full Leaderboard

13/U Division 7 Corio Bay Health Group Cup                            

Best & Fairest - Scarlett Johnstone (Anglesea)     

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Harlow Matthew (Grovedale)       

Full Leaderboard

15/U Division 3 Corio Bay Health Group Cup                            

Best & Fairest - Isla Rookes (Geelong Amateur)   

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Jackie Hiemstra (Grovedale)       

Full Leaderboard

15/U Division 4 Corio Bay Health Group Cup                            

Best & Fairest - Alexandra Norgard (Ocean Grove)             

Best & Fairest - Freya Howley (Newtown & Chilwell)

Full Leaderboard

15/U Division 5 Corio Bay Health Group Cup                            

Best & Fairest - Lila Miles (East Geelong)

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Akasha Young (Surf Coast Suns)    

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Imani Sagnol (South Barwon)            

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Mylah Fleming (Geelong Amateur)

Full Leaderboard

15/U Division 6 Corio Bay Health Group Cup                            

Best & Fairest - Saffron Thurkettle (Surf Coast Suns)

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Evie Flint (Ocean Grove)             

Full Leaderboard

17/U Division 3 Corio Bay Health Group Cup

Best & Fairest - Annika Willis (Ocean Grove)        

Runner Up Best & Fairest - Liv Richardson (Ocean Grove) 

Full Leaderboard

As we approach this weekend's Read the Play round, it's the perfect time to shine a well-deserved spotlight on one of AFL Barwon's remarkable partners – Kempe. This year marks an impressive 21-year partnership between Kempe and AFL Barwon.

Edward Wilson, the General Manager of AFL Barwon, highlights the tremendous impact of Kempe's partnership on the Barwon community.

"For 21 years, the Barwon community has greatly benefited from the immense partnership that Kempe has delivered in supporting community sport. 21 years later in 2023, AFL Barwon is extremely grateful for the continued partnership with Kempe and acknowledges the valuable contribution this partnership continues to contribute to the local community," he said.

Kempe's role within the AFL Barwon community has absolutely been instrumental, and their collaboration with Read the Play is a shining example of their dedication. Proudly serving as the founding partner of the charity from its very creation 17 years ago.

Read the Play is a unique program that cleverly leverages young people's engagement with sports and their connection to their local clubs to deliver crucial messages about mental health. It equips them with the knowledge and skills to seek help when needed, empowering the next generation of athletes to take control of their mental health and well-being.

Mental health in sports is a critical aspect of overall well-being for young athletes. The pressures of competition, performance expectations, and the spotlight can take a toll on their mental health. By fostering a culture where mental well-being is prioritised and openly discussed, Kempe and Read the Play are helping to break down stigmas surrounding mental health within the community.

In the celebration of more than two decades of partnership between Kempe and AFL Barwon, we extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Kempe for their continuous support. Together with Read the Play their commitment to empowering youth mental health and supporting our local sports has and will continue to make a lasting impact on the community.

Author: Madison Old (AFL Barwon Intern)

The upcoming School Sports Australia 15 Years and Under Girls and Boys National Championships will feature a strong contingent from the AFL Barwon region. Seven players from the AFL Barwon clubs will be participating in the carnival, which commences on Saturday, July 22nd in Ballarat.

Representing Victoria in the Girls Championships will be St. Joseph's utility Meyah Fursland and Peninsula Sharks goal kicker Ziva Shawcross. Both girls from Western Heights Secondary College, earned their spots in the final squad after going through two trial matches and impressing the selectors. Ziva, a key forward for the Sharks, has already kicked an impressive nine goals this season. Inspired by AFLW star Tayla Harris, she has modelled her game on Harris' style.

Meyah has admired key defenders like former Geelong Cats Champion Matthew Scarlett to base her game off. The girls will head to a training camp prior to carnival where they will meet their Victorian teammates from across the State.

In the Under 15 boy’s squad, three Ocean Grove juniors, Jack Thomson, Darcy Harrington, and Ned Badrock, have secured their spots in the final squad. Additionally, St. Joseph's midfielder Archer Chamberlain and Torquay's key position prospect Jack Pickett will also represent Victoria in the Championships.

Archer Chamberlain, excited to follow in the footsteps of AFL stars like Darcy Parish, Patrick Dangerfield and Travis Boak, expressed his gratitude for the mentors who have helped him develop his game over the past year. “We had some really good coaches at our St Joseph's year 9 campus, with Mr (Paul) Hood being a good coach to learn from”.  

Jack Pickett, a 189cm Ruckman was hopefully he would be able to have an impact forward in the carnival. “Hopefully I play in the forward line as I don’t think I am big enough to be a ruckman for Victoria” he joked. Torquay Senior coach Dom Gleeson had played a role in some mentoring sessions and sharing some advice according to Jack. He was hopefully to play consistent and as best as he could in the carnival.

The full squads for School Sports Australia 15 Years and Under Girls and Boys National Championships can be found here.

Author: Sean Atkinson

Latest News

The vibrant coastal town of Ocean Grove is set to become the centre of excitement as it prepares to host the highly anticipated 5th AFL Junior State of Origin (SOOV) on Saturday, July 1, and Sunday, July 2, 2023. This thrilling sporting carnival will bring together 250 talented young male and female AFL footballers, aged between 7 and 16, from the Ocean Grove Cobras (VIC) and the Glebe Greyhounds (NSW).

The AFL Junior State of Origin is a celebration of the next generation of football stars, showcasing their talent, determination and team spirit on the field. This year's event promises to be a weekend of thrilling matches and unforgettable moments, as players from  both teams compete for glory and pride. And to top things off, a parent's game is being hosted on the Saturday at 2:10pm!

Beyond the thrilling football action, the AFL Junior State of Origin holds a deeper purpose raising vital funds for the esteemed charity, River's Gift. River's Gift is dedicated to supporting Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) genetic research and making a lasting impact in understanding and preventing this devastating fatal syndrome. All proceeds from the event will go towards funding world-leading genetic SIDS research at the renowned University of South Australia (UniSA). Between the two clubs, significant business sponsorship funding has already been raised, with a total event fundraising target of $30,000 being set for this year.

"The AFL Junior State of Origin is not just a football carnival; it is an opportunity to unite our community and make a meaningful difference in the lives of families affected by SIDS," said Aaron White (President - Ocean Grove Cobras). "By supporting River's Gift and their crucial research efforts, we are working towards a future where no parent has to experience the heartbreak of losing a child to SIDS."

This year's AFL Junior State of Origin promises to be a weekend of family-friendly fun and excitement. In addition to the thrilling matches, the event will feature various activities for spectators, including face painting, food stalls, merchandise stands and licensed drink sales. It is a perfect opportunity for football enthusiasts, families, and the local community to come together and support a worthy cause.

"We are grateful to the Cobras and the Ocean Grove community for hosting this event and showing their unwavering support for the AFL Junior State of Origin and River's Gift." expressed Karl Waddell (Co-founder, River's Gift). "Their commitment and generosity will help us further our research and move closer to our vision of a world free from SIDS.

The 5th AFL Junior State of Origin will take place at Minerva Close in Ocean Grove on Saturday, July 1, and Sunday, July 2, 2023. Admission to the event is free, with donations\ encouraged to support River's Gift.

For more information about the AFL Junior State of Origin and River's Gift, please visit www.riversgift.org and follow the event on Facebook - www.facebook.com/OGCobrasJFC

Media Contacts:

Aaron White

President. Ocean Grove Cobras

0402 464 082

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Karl Waddell

Co-founder, River's Gift

0488 111 182

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About River's Gift

River's Gift was founded by Karl Waddell and Alex Hamilton, two devastated yet focused and determined parents, following the death of their baby boy, River, to SIDS at only 128 days of age in 2011. River's Gift are Australia's largest SIDS specific organisation, fundraising and advocating to help find a preventative cure for SIDS. They have a strong partnership with University of South Australia, in the establishment and continued development of a SIDS biobank, for the purpose of conducting genetic SIDS research.

About the AFL Junior State of Origin

The idea for the State of Origin match came about seven years ago when two old schoolmates from Geelong, Cain Sarah (Glebe) and Harvey Stephenson (Ocean Grove), were sharing Christmas together.

After a few drinks, they started talking about how good it would be if their boys - who are the same age - could play a game against each other... so what about a footy trip?

A Geelong-based friend of the pair, Karl Waddell, had co-founded the charity River's Gift five years earlier following the death of his son, River, to SIDS, and supporting such a worthy charity through kids' footy just made sense.

With the tradition first being hosted in Ocean Grove in the winter of 2017, this year marks the 5th running of the annual event (Covid affected 2020/21), with the hosting venue alternating between Ocean Grove and Glebe each year. Collectively, over $40,000 has been raised for River's Gift since the carnival's inception.

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