Tiger cub takes top award

BANNOCKBURN Football Club’s James Hose has been named Geelong and District Football League Rookie of the Year.

In his first senior season with the Tigers, the 17-year-old North Geelong Secondary College student said he was not expecting to receive the honour at last week’s presentation ceremony.

“Coming into it, I knew I got nominated for best first-year player, but when I found out I won it, I was proud, happy, and the boys got around me,” he said.

“It’s been a really easy transition the whole way, but particularly this year to senior footy. The older boys have been really supportive, and there’s always been a great club culture.

“My coaches have been really supportive, allowing me to play some midfield time, so I’ve been able to play on some of the greats from other teams, and learn off some of the best players around the league.

“I’ve grown up watching the seniors, and a few of those boys, I’m now playing with. They’re great leaders to me.”

Hose has been a member of the “very supportive” Bannockburn FNC since he first started playing footy in the under-nine age group.

A love of the game, and strong friendships has kept him involved for the last nine years.

“I love playing with my mates,” he said. “I didn’t make the representative Geelong Falcons team this year, but myself and two of my best mates, Ryan and Liam, all got the opportunity to play senior footy at Bannockburn together.”

He said he’s grateful for the support of his mum and dad, who have always backed him, and will continue to as he aims to kick his next, and biggest, goals in the sport.

“Next year I’ll still be 18, so I hope to play rep footy for the Geelong Falcons,” he said.

“From there, I want to play the best footy I can, and hopefully that’s in the AFL. We’ll see wherever it takes me.

“Being drafted to the AFL would mean the world to me. It’s been my goal ever since I was a little kid, so it would be pretty special.”