Teen’s dedication to footy pays off

Zane Zschech has many talents on the football field.

Young Sporting Spirit nominee Zane Zschech was selected to the Giants U16 Development Squad this year. Pictures: Adam Ward

• Baseball player on world stage
• Team spirit shines
• Diving into success

Zane Zschech has many talents on the football field, but his ability to tackle any challenges head on has seen him develop into a promising AFL professional.

The Glenhaven teen switched to AFL from football to join his friends when he was about eight.

It was a move that paid off.

Zane celebrated 100 games with the Kellyville Rouse Hill Magpies recently, while his Division 1 U15 team were semi-finalists this year.

Zane recently celebrated 100 games with the Kellyville Rouse Hill Magpies.

He was also selected to the 18-week Giants Western Sydney U16 Development Academy this year and at the end of the program he made the Pre-Season Training Squad, which he will start in November.

His success this year follows a strong 2015 season when his North West team won the U14 Sydney Juniors Representative Carnival at Cherrybrook and his Magpies U14 Division 2 team were undefeated premiers.

Zane has shown leadership qualities both on and off the football field, and joined the Year 10 Leadership Group at Oakhill College this year where he assists at school and community events.

An all-rounder on the field, Zane could go all the way to the top – just like his relative Eric Zschech, who played 102 games for Richmond in the 1930s.

Zschech formed part of the legendary Tiger centre-line with Alan Geddes and Stan Judkins, and the trio played in four grand finals in a row from 1931 to 1934.

“I’m hoping I’ll be able to go to the professional level, or just keep AFL in my life and keep having fun,” Zane said.

The Young Sporting Spirit category is proudly sponsored by Simonds Homes.

To nominate someone you know, visit juniorsportsstar.com.au