Torquay mates win state call-up

TWO St Therese Primary School students will represent Victoria at the 2026 School Sport Australia Championships after earning selection in the state’s under-12 boys football squad.

Torquay youngsters Duke Beardsley and George Liston secured spots in the 20-player squad following a series of successful tryouts in Geelong and Melbourne, with more than 200 players vying for selection.

For Duke, an inside midfielder who plays for St Mary’s and looks up to Sydney Swans star Isaac Heeney, the achievement is the biggest of his young sporting career.

“It’s pretty cool, that’s for sure,” he said. “We’ve just started training at Haileybury College and it’s a great group of players.

“To be in the squad with George is great. I love playing with my mates.”

George has been named as an emergency for the Victorian team. The tall key-position player is the starting ruckman for the Torquay Tigers under-12 side and prides himself on his versatility around the ground.

“I like playing everywhere on the field; I enjoy all positions,” he said.

“We’ve had a good season so far winning about half our games.”

Both players hope the honour is a stepping stone towards their dream of one day playing AFL football.

“That’s the dream,” Duke said.

“We got selected for this team out of 200 players, so it’s a good feeling and fills us with confidence going forward.”

The School Sport Australia Championships will be held in Canberra from 2–9 August.