IT is enjoyable watching EDFL junior matches on a weekend and seeing the array of talented players we have in our competition.
Across all clubs there are boys and girls showing a fabulous range of skills.
Many of these players are currently, or will, follow pathways to see how far they can progress in Australian Rules Football, including the National Championships.
Last week saw the completion of the 2018 AFL Under 18 Championships with Series 2 of the Women’s matches on the Gold Coast.
The outstanding quality of EDFL juniors was on display again this year with seven EDFL juniors representing Vic Metro in the Under 18 Boys and Girls teams.
The Under 18 Boys squad included Jack Bytel and Jack Evans from the Aberfeldie Football Club, Stefan Radovanovic and Curtis Taylor from the Keilor Football Club and Rhylee West from the Strathmore Football Club.
Special mentions must be noted for Bytel, Taylor and West who are playing for their second years having made the Vic Metro squad in 2017 as well.
Vic Metro Boys had a strong championship losing one match to South Australia, who completed the series without losing a game.
A special mention to Rhylee West who was selected in the AFL Under 18 Championships All-Australian team for 2018.
The Vic Metro Under 18 Girls team also finished the championship winning three games and losing one match, that being to Queensland.
There were three girls from EDFL clubs who made the Vic Metro team being: Georgia Patrikios (Pascoe Vale, formerly West Coburg), Carla Rendelmann (Aberfeldie) and Madison Prespakis (Sunbury Lions).
Congratulations to Madison and Georgia who were selected in the 2018 AFLW Under 18 All Australian squad.
Both players made the Vic Metro team in 2017 as bottom-age players and incredibly, both were also selected in the 2017 All Australian squad, too.
The highly-touted Prespakis had an outstanding championships.
Maddy, who’s expected to be picked very early in October’s NAB AFLW Draft, was team captain and for the second year running, received the Vic Metro Most Valuable Player Award and was joint winner of the championships MVP award in addition to her All Australian selection.
Whilst highlighting these highly-talented players it would be remiss to overlook the many people and clubs who have played significant roles in the development of these boys and girls.
Credit must be given to their EDFL and TAC Cup clubs, their coaches, parents and many other family members, friends and volunteers who have assisted in their development.
Congratulations also to those girls and boys who were selected in the Vic Metro Under 16 squads, and recently participated in their championships.
Good luck for the weekend.
