SSA U12 Australian Football Championships: SA Boys captain Harrison Webb on playing for older sister

Harrison Webb feels the spirit of his late sister Hannah every time he steps on to the footy field, and this weekend’s U12 National Championships will be extra special.

Harrison Webb’s special bond with his late sister Hannah was formed by a game they both loved.

A passion for football and endless kicks together in the backyard made the pair “thick as thieves”, according to their dad Justin.

When Hannah, 19, tragically died in a road accident earlier this year it rocked the Webb family.

But now Harrison hopes to carry on his older sister’s love for footy in his own game.

The talented 12-year-old will lead South Australia as captain at next week’s School Sport Australia U12 Australian Football Championships.

South Australian boys captain Harrison Webb has dedicated his performance at next week’s SSA National Championships to his late sister, Hannah. Picture: Dean Martin

Harrison Webb (right) with sister Hannah (left). Picture: Supplied

Harrison Webb (left) with family including sister Hannah (right). Picture: Supplied

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Harrison, a Henley Football Club and Henley High School product, said he would play at the tournament in memory of his sister.

“We were pretty close,” Harrison said.

“She was a pretty good footballer, she played state football for Queensland and played at Henley Sharks as well. We both love footy.

“I feel like she’s always there with me and watching me, helping to drive me to play well.”

The SA skipper said he hoped to lead the Croweaters to victory at the championships, which begin in Adelaide on Sunday and feature boys and girls teams from six states.

Dad Justin Webb was proud to see Harrison pay tribute to his sister

“Harrison got a necklace made that holds Hannah’s ashes and he’s been wearing that to training and games to give him inspiration,” Webb said.

“Hannah loved her footy and between her and Harrison they had a very strong bond around footy.

SA U12 boys Harrison Webb and Hunter Fieldhouse ahead of the championships. Picture: Dean Martin

“It’s something they always had together growing up. They were thick as thieves those two.”

Webb described his son as dedicated and hard working and said he was a deserving captain.

Harrison, who wakes up at 5.30am each day to do strength and conditioning training, said he enjoyed pushing himself in pursuit of his goals.

“My dream is to get drafted to the AFL, that’s the end goal, so I want to work as hard as I can to get there,” Harrison said.

SA’s boys and girls teams will get their SSA U12 Australian Football Championships campaigns started with games against NSW on Sunday morning.

The round-robin tournament will be played from Sunday to Friday at Norwood Oval and Campbelltown Memorial Oval.

All 30 matches will be exclusively live streamed by KommunityTV.

See below for the full schedule of broadcast matches.