St Mary’s junior continues rapid rise with All-Australian nod

AN emerging football talent continues to rise through the local ranks, adding another feather in her cap at this year’s Under 16 AFL National Development Championships.

St Mary’s and Geelong Falcons player Ava Bilyk was named to this year’s AFLW Under 16’s All-Australian side following two impressive outings during last month’s national championships.

Part of this year’s Vic Country squad for her first time, Bilyk captured the eyes of scouts and All-Australian judges in the team’s backline during her two appearances on April 7 against Brisbane Lions Academy and April 11 against Vic Metro, winning the former of the two games both played in Melbourne.

“I felt very honoured when I found out I had made the All-Australian team, it’s a great privilege and I’m extremely grateful for it,” Bilyk said.

“I really enjoyed wearing the Big V for the first time and meeting a new team full of great players.

“I usually play in the midfield, but I was in the backline for the national champs. That was really exciting to learn a new position and implement that during the games.”

Bilyk began playing football at St Mary’s as part of the Under 10 Boys squad, before the club started fielding junior girls side and has been a standout in the program since.

The 15-year-old Geelong Grammar student has also won the previous two AFL Barwon league best and fairest awards in the Under 15 and Under 16 category as a bottom-ager.

Bilyk currently compete in St Mary’s Under 16 side as a top-ager and was also named the Team MVP for Vic Country at last month’s championships.

“I’ve made it a point to get a lot of feedback from my coaches and take the advice into my future games,” Bilyk said.

“Putting in the hard work doesn’t come easy, so I’ve really focused during my offseasons, getting good pre-seasons in, a lot of running and gym work, then it becomes a matter of taking the game on.”

Ava credited her father and club coach Dave Bilyk and coach Mark Boxer at St Mary’s as playing crucial parts in improving her football skills and work ethic.

Ava says her next current goal is to continue aiming for success with her Geelong Grammar, Geelong Falcons, and St Mary’s sides.