Maribyrnong College celebrates bumper selection for AFL state footy teams

MARIBYRNONG College has further enhanced its reputation as a footy hotbed, with 15 students selected for AFL state representative sides.

A GROUP of students from Maribyrnong College are one step closer to realising their AFL dreams after being selected in the league’s state representative sides.

Ellie McKenzie, Jasmine Goodman, Jess Fitzgerald and Jack Bytel are among the Maribyrnong College students selected for AFL state representative sides. Picture: Mark Dadswell

Head coach and co-ordinator of the AFL program Torin Baker said it was a “great reward” for the 15 students.

“These players are the ones who have the talent and put in hard work,” he said.

“It’s also a great reflection on the program.”

Ethan Bentley, Emerson Jeka, Daniel Mott, and Sam Ramsay were selected for the Vic Metro under 16 side, with Stefan Radovanovic and Jaden Rice chosen in the under 17 Vic Futures team.

Dylan Landt, Jack Bytel, and Buku Khamis will represent Vic Metro in the boys under 18 championships, along with Monique Conti and Georgia Patrikios in the girls’ equivalent.

Ellie McKenzie, Jessica Fitzgerald, Jasmine Goodman, and Tom Belleville also made their respective Under 15 SSV teams.

Mr Baker said Bytel and Buku Khamis were also picked for the AFL national academy at the end of last season.

The school’s program has already produced current AFL players, including the Gold Coast Suns’ Peter Wright and the Adelaide Crows’ Rory Atkins.

“We choose the best of the best,” Mr Barker said.

“But our program provides the support to get our students where they need to be to play in the AFL.”

Maribyrnong College is eligible to be a Local Sports Star in the team category.

For more stories and to nominate visit localsportsstars.com.au/leader. With thanks to our 2017 partners Sportsmart, SportsTG and Gold104.3.