Aussie Rules rules for Junior Sports Star Oliver Kozak

AUSSIE rules is in Oliver Kozak’s blood.

Oliver Kozak, 13, plays for the East Coast Eagles and the GWS Academy. Picture: David Swift

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AUSSIE rules is in Oliver Kozak’s blood — not only because his family originally hails from Victoria, the spiritual home of the sport — but also because it’s a game that’s been played by the 13-year-old’s grandfather and great grandfather every season since the 1940s.

Oliver first picked up a ball at age five, encouraged by mum Britt Humphris, who felt it was something of a family tradition, and he’s never looked back.

Picked to train with the GWS Giants Academy, the St Andrew’s College schoolboy also has a place playing first division in the East Coast Eagles under-13s, where this last season saw the midfielder picked as runner-up in the club’s Best and Fairest category.

Oliver Kozak’s family ties led him to play Aussie Rules.

Oliver’s a high flyer for the East Coast Eagles and GWS Academy.

“He really loves the game and I’m super proud of him. He works extremely hard,” Ms Humphris said.

Oliver said he was passionate about the sport.

“Sometimes I feel a bit tired after a whole lot of training, but I love the game and I just want to play as much as I can,” he said.

The Blacktown boy ultimately wants to become a professional. He has his sights set on playing for the Giants or premiers Western Bulldogs but his favourite is Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury.

Oliver is a Junior Sports Star nominee. The awards are sponsored by Rebel. Nominate at juniorsportsstar.com.au