Geelong teen to captain All-Australian side

ST Mary’s midfielder Ava Bilyk has received one of the highest honours in junior football after being named captain of the under-18 All-Australian team.

The 17-year-old earned the honour after co-captaining Victoria Country at the National Championships, where she was also named the tournament’s best and fairest player.

Bilyk said the appointment was an honour and one she never expected.

“I feel I’ve had a good year, particuarly with being Victoria Country captain and putting up some good games in the National Championships,” she said.

“This has to be the top honour I could possibly think of. It’s the most amazing thing to happen to me in my football career so far.”

Bilyk averaged 23.8 disposals, 5.8 clearances, 4.5 tackles and one goal a game during the championships. She was named Victoria Country’s most valuable player and polled 19 votes to claim the overall best and fairest ahead of South Australians Lani Cocks and Emily Mableson.

The year 12 Geelong Grammar student has called St Mary’s home since she was 10, although Geelong Falcons and school football commitments have prevented her playing for the club since under-16.

Bilyk began playing football with the boys before joining the under-12 girls competition, an experience she credits with helping shape her game.

“When I was able to go out and play with the girls, I felt I had an advantage from those few years playing against the boys, particuarly that toughness around the contest,” she said.

“I made some amazing mates, and St Mary’s have been so supportive of me.”

A Melbourne Demons supporter, Bilyk said she has long admired 2022 premiership midfielder Tyla Hanks and tries to emulate her attack on the football, ball use and defensive pressure.

“Honestly I just love all AFLW players and the women’s game,” Bilyk said.

With November’s AFLW draft approaching, Bilyk said she would be thrilled to land at any club, although wearing the red and blue would make the moment even more special.

“I’d just love to get drafted anywhere really, but if I landed at the Demons, that would just be so cool,” she said.

Bilyk will finish the school football season with Geelong Grammar before helping Geelong Falcons chase success in the Coates Talent League finals.