Under 18 nationals: Dandenong Stingray Blake Kuipers called up to Vic Country squad

Blake Kuipers is one of Australia’s best young volleyballers. But after four games in the NAB League he’s been added to the Vic Country squad.

Blake Kuipers (left) celebrates one of his goals on debut for the Dandenong Stingrays.

When Dandenong Stingrays coach Nick Cox phoned Blake Kuipers to congratulate him on his call-up to the Vic Country squad for the Under 18 nationals, he got an unexpected response.

“What’s that?’’ Kuipers said.

That he was unaware of the significance of his selection reflects his late arrival to the football scene.

Kuipers, from Rosebud, is a star national under-age volleyballer and he only recently fixed his focus on the NAB League.

The 197cm right-footer played his first match of the season in Round 5, kicking two goals against Oakleigh Chargers at Shepley Oval. He’s had four NAB League games.

“He came into our program late last year and his development since then has been 10-fold,’’ Cox said.

“He’s getting better with his game-sense stuff, and his athleticism and ability to close down opponents, particularly when he’s playing back, have caught the eye of the next level.

“His speed and running ability are something the recruiters are keen to watch and see how they can develop.’’

Cox admitted he had been surprised by the rise of Kuipers, who has spent time in the ruck, defence and even on the wing.

“It’s a credit to him that he’s been able to bring himself up to speed with the basic fundamentals,’’ he said.

“He’s still got a fair bit to go. He’s still learning how to play week in, week out after copping a few injuries here and there, general soreness and corkies.

Blake Kuipers gets in a spoil for the Stingrays.

“But he’s done well to go from a couple of games for Rosebud Under 18s to NAB League footy and getting a trial game with Vic Country last week and to now possibly playing in the national titles.’’

The Stingrays have a strong hand in the final 37-player Vic Country squad to compete in the Under 18 championships.

Captain Hayden Young, Ned Cahill, Cody Weightman, Lachie Williams, “Biggie’’ Nyuon, Sam De Koning and Kuipers will represent the club, with Young named a Country vice-captain.

Weightman has been among the Stingrays’ most improved players this season after having two games as a bottom-ager last year.

“He’s certainly the flavour of the month with the way he plays, a Jamie Elliott-style player,’’ Cox noted.

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Former AFL player and Gippsland Power coach Leigh Brown will steer the Vic Country team as coaching director and head coach.

His support staff includes midfield coach Marc Greig (GWV head coach), forwards coach Rick Coburn (Bendigo head coach) and backline coach David Wojcinski (Geelong AFL premiership player).

The team starts its campaign on Saturday against Vic Metro at the MCG, in a match to be broadcast live on Fox Footy from 10.30am.

Both Victorian teams will wear indigenous jumpers designed by Todd Garner, the brother of Port Adelaide’s Joel.