Torquay’s rising footy stars to represent Victoria

THREE junior footballers from Torquay will represent School Sport Victoria (SSV) at this year’s Australian Football Championships.

Budding Torquay Tigers Lucas Gray, Hamish McGowan and Lucius White will journey to Mandurah (Western Australia) on August 3 to play as part of Team Vic 12 Years and Under.

Forging pathways for aspiring athletes, Team Vic has been captained by Australian Football League (AFL) stars including Joel Selwood, Nathan Jones, Jack Ziebell, Ben Jacobs, Touk Miller, Nick O’Kearney and Scott Selwood.

Geelong College student Lucas Gray, who joined the Torquay Football Club about two years ago after playing for Geelong Amateur, said although he’s excited to be kicking the footy at an elite level, he’s nervous about making mistakes.

“It’s just the highest honour because it’s the highest level of footy we can play,” he said.

“I’m probably just excited but I’m nervous that I’ll stuff up.”

The three mates participated in a five-day long trial before they were selected as part of the team.

The squad is made up of 23 players from around the state.

Hamish’s father, Jason McGowan, said he’s incredibly proud of his son.

“We’re all proud parents. They all harbour ambitions to be AFL footballers so this is a pathway to begin with,” he said.

“They take it fairly serious because it’s the earliest age group that they start doing state rep teams for football. It’s an early step for them and it’s all about talent ID I suppose to get your name out there.”

Team Vic will play three practice matches against Trinity Grammar, Carey Grammar and Scotch College in preparation for the carnival which will run from August 3 to August 10.

For more information, head to ssv.vic.edu.au/team-vic.