School Sport 2023: Undefeated Vics take national title in U12s

Sons of ex-AFL players and future stars shone brightly as Victoria completed a faultless School Sport Australian Football Championships. Here’s a rundown on every player.

National champions: Victoria's triumphant 12 and under football side.

Months of preparations culminated in the perfect result for the Victorian 12 and under boys football team in Albury last week.

The Big V, coached by Leigh McQuillen, went through the Australian championships in undefeated, securing the title with victory over South Australia in the final match.

Victoria’s side had talent on every line; from powerful ruckman James Mastopasqua to dashing defender Xavier Walsh and crafty forward Ray Lonie.

McQuillen said the national title was deserved reward for all the work that went into the team, which was picked from an initial squad of 750.

“It didn’t surprise me that we won it because there are some great players in there,’’ he said.

“And the preparation we had over a three month period was pretty intense and the parents had to commit to a lot of Sundays and to a lot of driving around Victoria to get the side ready.

“We do it in more depth than any other state and I think that’s why we won the gold medal.”

Victorian captain Darby Hoare (right) and vice captain Kobe Treeby lift the national trophy.

Kobe Treeby, Ray Lonie and Oscar Laity.

McQuillen went into the tournament confident; he knew the talent he had at his disposal and it was just a matter of getting the youngsters to perform on the big stage. They did.

“We had a lot of versatility in this side, we had some big boys,’’ he said.

“And we had players we could shuffle around in multiple positions, that’s where my confidence came from.’’

Victoria beat WA on the first day, but South Australia was always going to be its biggest danger.

“We did a lot of hours of tape,” McQuillen said.

“I felt for my assistant coaches because we just wanted to make sure there was no stone unturned and that probably helped us a lot in preparing and getting the match ups right. Their (South Australia’s) top six was every bit as good as our top six but I reckon it was the next six that were better in our side.

“We went undefeated, including three practice matches, in two of them we came from behind which was always good knowing we had that in us.”

National champions: Victoria's triumphant 12 and under football side.

Victoria coach Leigh McQuillen gives a post carnival review on the 23 Big V players:

Xavier Walsh

Was one of our main key defenders who held down opposition big forwards and was an exceptional player in the final against South Australia, often breaking lines with his powerful running and kicking depth.

Chavi Sulic

Had a great carnival as a hybrid defender and topped this off with an exceptional performance in the final, starring across half back and cutting off numerous SA attacking surges with his aerial ability.

Kade Witney

Used his laser-like left foot to cut open other states’ defences and find team mates with precision changing lanes at ease. Kade played a crucial role in the team’s championship game against South Australia.

Marlon Micalizzi

His ability to run and carry was showcased all tournament. The big-bodied defender ran riot in the final and set up numerous attacks from defence.

Stanley Moore

Was the Swiss Army knife being used up both ends, in the ruck and on the wing where he excelled and stood out as one of the best players at the tournament with his athleticism and high football IQ.

Darby Hoare (captain)

Displayed his toughness and aggression every time he pulled on the Big V. He led with distinction and provided toughness in multiple roles. He looked right at home in the final.

Victorian coach Leigh McQuillen and Sidney McLaughlin, son of AFL boss Gillon.

Sidney McLaughlin

Mixed his game up across half back and the wing. His ball use, run and carry and speed a highlight. He often linked our defence with attack. Sid made his mark on the final from the first bounce and was a crucial player for Victoria.

James Mastopasqua

Stands at 6 ft 1″ and 80kg and was best on ground in the final. Having played in the 2022 team he was very hungry to win the trophy back and it showed in his dominating performance versus South Australia, the highlight being a post height 40m goal during the second quarter and multiple marks while rucking and forward.

Kobe Treeby (vice captain)

Was our main midfielder who gained numerous clearances throughout the week and topped this off with a solid performance in the final with his aggressive offensive and defensive style leading the way by example. He loved wearing the Big V.

Oscar Laity

Was very consistent all week as an on-ball/defender. Very strong through the hips and can lay claim to not only stopping SA’s best player in the final but also laying a game-winning tackle late in the last quarter. A key player for Victoria all week.

Will Young

Had a great week as an inside midfielder and displayed how much it meant to him to play for Victoria after being an emergency in 2022. His final performance against SA in the final was exceptional with his toughness and line breaking.

Samuel Lupo

Came into the tournament having played very little football yet making our best 23. He has an enormous upside and displayed exceptional skills and a running capacity that set him apart from others. Sam played as a tall wingman who performed every time he pulled on the Victorian jumper.

Olli Steinfort

Displayed his ability to be the ultimate team player often setting up others in better positions with his kicking skills, while being a very good goal kicker himself mixing his game up down forward and on a wing.

Marcus Rice

Played mainly forward, kicking a bag against the ACT while also pinch-hitting on a wing. Marcus loved taking the game on fending off opponents and used his hands to feed teammates near goal.

Alfie Rowley

Put his speed on show in every game. Explosively quick with exceptional vision he burnt off opposition and found something out of nothing numerous times in contested situations. He was electric near goal and inspired his team with his celebrations.

Josh Fanning

Showed that it doesn’t matter how big you are. The small midfielder was very consistent in every game going to a new level in the final against SA with his ball-winning ability a standout. Josh kicks it well on both feet making him a key player for Victoria at the tournament.

Arli Walker

Showed he cannot be given space or left alone near goal. He was very crafty throughout the tournament and mixed his game up on the wing to use his skills to great affect all week.

Jye Henry

Was selected for his versatility as a key position player. He became an strong marking key forward kicking 6 goals against WA and taking a number of crucial marks in the final against SA, playing a great game with 2 goals.

Jett Bradshaw

Became the utility in the team starting forward and finishing as a defender where he displayed his aggression at the football and the opposition. He hit contests hard and kicked with great depth.

Ace Burgiel

Showcased his skill all week with his ability to turn opposition opponents inside out a highlight. His ball use by foot off his left was brilliant and he often set up his teammates for shots on goal with astute ball use and football IQ.

Ray Lonie

Went from being a midfielder in the practice games to one of the most dangerous medium forwards at the tournament. He kicked numerous goals via his crafty positioning and ability to read the ball coming in from midfielders. He was very consistent all week.

Luke Cheep

Was one of the best deep forwards at the tournament with his big frame and hard leads he was a tough match up for opposition, often taking huge marks and kicking long goals in the fashion of an old school full forward. Kicked crucial goals in the final against South Australia.

Brodie Coyne

Was a key defender who also provided Victoria depth in the ruck. His aggressive nature saw him providing us with another utility who relished the contested ball and kicked with great penetration.