Young Caloundra Panthers star chasing AFL dream after earning Queensland selection

A Sunshine Coast Aussie rules talent says he’s ‘absolutely thrilled’ to be representing his state with his coach declaring him as a star on the rise. Here’s his incredible story.

Sunshine Coast Aussie rules talent Harry Ronchi. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Caloundra Panthers star Harry Ronchi has been selected in the Queensland under 17 squad to take on the Victoria Country side in a showcase match at Werribee on 13 August.

The 16-year-old is hoping to put his best foot forward and be further selected in the AFL Futures under 17 teams, who will play in a curtain raiser match at the AFL Grand Final.

Ronchi, a grade 11 Meridan State College student and talented half back, said he hoped to follow in the footsteps of former Panthers and now Brisbane Lions players Tom Fullerton and Eric Hipwood.

“It’s a great achievement and I was absolutely thrilled when I heard the news,” he said.

“It’s a great opportunity for me to play at a higher level and learn as much as I can from the coaching staff, my teammates and the opposition.

“I’m also keen to showcase what I can do which will help me grow as a player and as a person.”

Sunshine Coast Aussie rules talent Harry Ronchi. Picture: Patrick Woods.

Caloundra head coach Dan Giarrusso said he was proud of Ronchi’s development this season.

“There was no guarantee but we knew his best footy would be to play in the seniors this season which he earned and now belongs at this level,” he said.

“In his debut game he finished in our top three best and fairest voting and so for a kid that’s just turned 16 he hasn’t looked back and doesn’t look out of place which is very impressive.”

Since making his QFA Division One debut in round four, Ronchi has kicked four goals and finished among the best players votes on five occasions from 11 matches.

“He was always a really good decision maker and has good composure with the ball in hand but every game he plays you can see his confidence growing,” Giarrusso said.

“There was a game against Springwood earlier in the year where he anticipated an opposition kick, took an intercept mark before taking four bounces from over halfway and kicking a goal. (watch below)

“That was the moment where you think yeah this kid’s got something about him and he just keeps progressing.”

Giarrusso said it wouldn’t be long before Ronchi was snapped up into an elite level system.

“He’s a very humble kid so the way he plays and the way he brings his teammates in is that it’s not all about Harry,” Giarrusso said.

“He’s got some really good qualities as a team first oriented player so I don’t think we’ll have him for too much longer as I think someone will snuffle him up and tuck him away if they‘re smart.”

The Queensland side would be led by current Brisbane Lions academy head coach Mitch Hahn with Ronchi being just one of three players selected outside of Brisbane and the Gold Coast.