Revealed: 50 young guns to watch in Victorian local sport
Victoria is full of emerging sports stars destined for big things. We’ve identified more than 50 names to watch in 2022.
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport . Followed categories will be added to My News.
There’s no shortage of up-and-coming stars on the Victorian local sporting scene.
From Australian rules to tennis and everything in between, we’ve named more than 50 young guns to watch across more than 10 sports …
AFL
Jagga Smith
Smith, who attends Scotch College and is with the Oakleigh Chargers, is a “hybrid’’ midfielder with strength and power. Played in the School Sports Victoria Under 15 match at Sandringham last year and was also an SSV selection for the Under 12 national series in 2017.
Willem Duursma
The Duursma family counts as its own football factory. Xavier is a star at Port Adelaide, Yasmin is going well with Gippsland Power in the NAB League Girls competition and Zane made his debut for the Power at age 15 in the NAB League Boys last year. Then there’s Willem, who was selected as a bottom-age player in the School Sport Victoria 15 years and under football team last year. Dean Duursma said his youngest son – coming through the ranks at Foster – was “almost a mini-me of Xavier’’.
Sierra Grieves
The Western Jets young gun is already showing experience beyond her years with a series of outstanding displays at NAB League Girls level. Grieves can play in a variety of positions and impact a game wherever she lines up.
Lou-Lou Field
Despite playing against older opposition, the 15-year-old hasn’t looked out of place at NAB League Girls level this season, recording double figure disposals in every game. Western Jets coach Robbie Chancellor said he had big hopes for her future.
Lucia Painter
For the Bendigo Pioneers, Painter has kept on improving, establishing herself as one of her team’s best players throughout the season. Coach Danny O’Bree has often spoken highly of her impact on the field.
Jordan Waters
An Under 16 from Beaconsfield, Waters is attached to the Dandenong Stingrays program and is receiving attention as a 199cm ruckman. He’s athletic, has pace and kicks the ball well. Is now attending Caulfield Grammar.
Caleb Nancarrow
Tall forward who showed up in an Under 15 showcase match last year. Attends Scotch College and was an Under 15 School Sports Victoria rep.
Jasmine Fleming
An early fancy for No. 1 pick in this year’s AFLW draft, the daughter of former Australian Test cricketer Damien Fleming is blitzing it in the NAB League. Oakleigh Chargers coach Jason Davenport says the 17-year-old’s application and attack on the ball are second to none, while Chargers talent manager Jy Bond says she’s “the complete package”. Midfield, defence or forward, she’s as versatile as they come. She’s a fast-bowling prospect in Premier Cricket too.
BASEBALL
Genevieve Beacom
The 17-year-old wonderkid made headlines in January when she became the first female to play for a professional men’s franchise in Australia. Beacom tossed a scoreless inning for the Melbourne Aces against Adelaide and appeared in ESPN’s Baseball Network. The young lefty is part of Australia’s preliminary squad for September’s Under-18 Baseball World Cup in Florida.
Nikau Pouaka-Grego
Only 17 and signed with Major League Baseball club Philadelphia Phillies in January on a reported US$250,000 deal. The promising shortstop came out of the Sunshine Eagles and represented Australia at the Under-15 World Cup in Panama in 2018, where he hit .400 and drew five walks in seven appearances during the tournament.
Blake Townsend
The left-handed pitcher signed with Seattle Mariners in 2018 when he was just 17 after winning the Golden Arm as the top pitcher in the Under-18 Australian Youth Championships. Underwent the dreaded Tommy John surgery in 2019 but returned to the mound in 2021 and struck out 22 hitters in 13 2/3 innings of Rookie Ball and is primed for a big 2022 as a 20-year-old.
Chris Burke
Another young Aussie who’s linked with an MLB club, Burke is a highly-touted catcher in the Philadelphia Phillies’ system. Was a member of Australia’s Under-18 World Cup team in 2019, was part of the MLB Select World Team in 2018 and already has a couple of Claxton Shields up his belt with the Melbourne Aces.
ATHLETICS
Mackenzie Mielczarek (javelin) and Tayleb Willis (hurdles)
Two of Australia’s most exciting athletes are on a pathway towards Commonwealth Games and Olympic Games representation. Mielczarek (Corio Athletics Club) and Willis (Ringwood Athletics Club) are enjoying great success at both state and national levels in their respective events; javelin throw and 110m hurdles.
With both now having qualified for the World Athletics U20 Championships, to be held in Columbia 1-6 August 2022, they are proving to be standout athletes in their age groups with high expectations of Australian representation at the senior level.
BASKETBALL
Dash Daniels
Daniels has made waves at every level he has played at and his accolades include selection in the Vic Country Under 16s team as a bottom-ager last season. He is a player who can score in the big moments but bring his teammates into the game as well. The Bendigo product comes from a talented basketball family with his dad Ricky making a name as a star import in the SEABL competition. Meanwhile his brother Dyson is considered a top-tier selection in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Kristian Ferronato
The young gun has been selected in Vic Metro teams on four occasions, which is considered to be a stunning achievement for a male player. Ferronato, of Eltham, is a workhorse guard who can split defences but is just as powerful at the ring and from three. He has represented Australia as well as the Asia-Pacific region at the Junior NBA World Championships.
Indy Schwarz
Part of the Geelong United program, Schwarz is the daughter of former Melbourne AFL footballer. David Schwarz. She made the Vic Country under 16 team as a bottom-ager. Schwarz can play all positions but dominates the paint and loves to reel in big rebounds and make big finishes.
Tess Heal
As the niece of former Boomer Shane and cousin of current Opal Shyla, Heal comes from a family of Australian basketball royalty. She has made four Vic Metro teams in the years she has been eligible, which puts her on par with Women’s Basketball Hall of Famers Michele Timms and Penny Taylor. Heal has also represented Australia at junior level.
Dallas Loughridge
Loughridge is at the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence in Canberra on a scholarship, following in the footsteps of players including Dante Exum and Penny Taylor. She made her WNBL debut in February and is described as a lightning-fast point guard.
Jaylen Brown
Brown is an athlete who has shone throughout his time in the sport. He has represented Victoria at the Australian Junior Championships every year since he became eligible at 14. Brown has already worn the green and gold and is tipped to be a future Paralympian.
CRICKET
Mitch Jamieson
The right-hand batsman from Footscray is approaching 1000 runs for the season when his scores for the Bulldogs’ First and Second XIs and their Under 17 Dowling Shield team are added up. The Victorian under-age representative hit 115 in Monday’s Dowling grand final against Ringwood, his second ton of the series. Making his Premier Cricket debut at 16, he made 39 against Camberwell Magpies. “He has a very good head on his shoulders and the ability to go up and down in gears … he can recognise periods in the game, which is really pleasing for a young, aspirational player,’’ a Cricket Victoria official said.
Harry DeMattia
DeMattia was still eligible for Under 16 cricket when Melbourne called him up for a First XI debut against Essendon this season. The right-hander opened the batting and hit 34. In the following round he opened with Will Pucovski and made 48 not out. Last season he captained Ormond to the John Craig Shield title, averaging 78.8 in the process. DeMattia has played state under-age cricket and is in Victorian emerging player squads. He’s also a fine prospect on the football field and will be on the Dandenong Stingrays’ books in the NAB League this year.
Oliver Peake
The son of former Victorian batsman Clinton burst to prominence last season when he broke the record for the most runs in a John Craig Shield series: 548 at an average of 913. Not bad for a bottom-age player! This season as an Under 15 the left-hander played for Geelong in the Under 17 Dowling Shield and hit two centuries. He has also churned out more than 400 runs for Geelong Grammar in the APS competition and scored 300 runs for the Geelong Second XI in Premier Cricket. Has a tremendous technique and an even temperament to go with it.
Harry Dixon, St Kilda
A left-hander who likes to play his strokes, Dixon rose to a First XI debut for the Saints this season and also captained their Dowling Shield team, scoring a century and almost 300 runs. Is also a leading player for Melbourne Grammar in the APS competition.
Archie Flynn
The 15-year-old opened the batting for Ringwood in the Second XI this season and did it pretty well, scoring 371 runs at 26.5. And as an Under 15 player he hit 237 runs from five hands for the Rams’ title-winning Under 17 Dowling Shield team. Was in the 2021-22 Under 17 Vic Metro squad and is coming along nicely as a player.
Kyle Parrott
The talented 16-year-old batsman has stepped up to every challenge and has a knack of scoring centuries. At age 14, he made 121 not out in Langwarrin’s seconds and followed it with a record 198 for the South East Sharks Under 14 rep side. This season he’s joined Melbourne and the runs have continued to flow; last week he peeled off 104 not out in the Demons’ thirds. That followed 130 not out in a T20 game for Langwarrin.
Hasrat Gill
The 16-year-old bowls leg-spin and it brought her 25 wickets in Premier Cricket Firsts as she enjoyed a fine season for the strong Melbourne team. Her left-hand batting is improving and she’s seen as a tremendous prospect as a bowling all-rounder.
Isabel White
At 17 off-spinner White led the wicket list in Premier Cricket Firsts for most of the season and finished with 25 at 11.4. She took 11 more at 8.0 in the Under 18 female series, when she also cracked 141 in one innings; there are solid foundations to her batting. Has the temperament to go with her natural talent.
Rhys McKenna
Still 17, fast bowler McKenna was called up to debut for Victoria in the WNCL match against the ACT Meteors and, seemingly nerveless, she dazzled with 3-9 off five overs. A product of Carrum Cricket Club, she was a junior representative player before joining Premier team Prahran. She’s already contracted with the Melbourne Stars – and she’s going to be a star for a long time.
Sara Kennedy
The Ballarat schoolgirl is 14 but she played for the Carlton women’s Premier team all season, often opening the bowling with her left-arm pace bowling. It led to her selection in the Victorian Country Under 16 team that played in the summer series at Albury, where she performed well. Ticketed for good things in women’s cricket.
Samara Dulvin
The diminutive 15-year-old right-hander has had a most encouraging season with Prahran in Premier Cricket. She has a stylish technique and as she gets older and stronger runs are sure to ping from her bat. Was part of the Cricket Victoria Under 16 female emerging players program in 2021-22.
Poppy Gardner
The 16-year-old left-arm pace bowler has already played in a Premier Cricket First XI flag, with Dandenong last season. And she’s already on the books at the Melbourne Renegades. Consistency is a feature of her bowling – with her action and her execution – and her batting is coming along too, no doubt profiting from her involvement in the Cricket Victoria emerging players program.
GOLF
Molly McLean
McLean has a string of honours to her name at just 15, including winning the SA Junior Amateur Championship and club championships at both Rosebud Country Club and The National, where she is a member at both. Made the cut in her first professional event, the Vic Open, at 13th Beach last month, which put her in the top 30. Played with professionals in The Athena golf event at Sandy Links recently, and is touted as the best young golfer to have emerged out of Victoria for quite a while.
Amelia Harris
The 13-year-old from Yarra Yarra Golf Club was crowned the girls’ winner of the 2021 Victorian Junior Open, finishing 12 strokes clear of her nearest rival. The Ringwood local was the youngest competitor at the Sandbelt International tournament soon after – 49 years younger than the eldest participant. “She doesn’t miss a shot,” tournament director Mike Clayton said of Harris. Earned an invitation to the recent Victorian Open, where she finished 14th of the 26 ladies participants. Big future ahead.
Louise Baliton
The 15-year-old from Mt Derrimut Golf Club earned a Victorian Order of Merit honour for her 2021 season, which took in victories at the Riversdale Junior Open, Victorian Junior Masters, Northern Junior Open, Rosanna Junior Open and the Victoria Golf Club Junior Classic (inc. Lady Tallis Junior Girls Tournament). The winner of the 2019 School Sport Victoria girls’ championship as a Year 8 student from Maribyrnong College and recently finished runner-up for the Junior Open title last year.
Ben McPherson
The Maribyrnong College product has put together a string of strong performances in tournaments across the past year or so, including an equal-second finish at the 2021 Victorian Junior Open, following a runner-up gong at the ‘21 under-18 Ballarat Junior Classic. Set to join the US college system on a scholarship in 2023.
Michael Song
Took out the Tasmanian junior amateur title in 2020 and has remained a competitive force on the junior golfing scene in Victoria since. Finished equal second for the 2021 Victorian Junior Open.
HORSE RACING
Matthew Cartwright
The kid from Moorooduc with a background in motorbike riding has emerged as one of Victoria’s most promising apprentice jockeys. At just 19, he’s enjoying a stellar season, riding more than 20 city winners to sit in the top 10 on the metropolitan jockeys premiership table, among champions Jamie Kah, Damien Oliver and Craig Williams.
Celine Gaudray
The 19-year-old apprentice jockey has had more than her share of ups and downs, with injuries and suspension, but she remains one of the state’s brightest rising stars. With a background in equestrian, Gaudray joined the stables of Mornington trainer Pat Carey and started from scratch — on a pony. But she’s proven to be a natural jockey and horses run for her.
Unnamed colt, by I Am Invincible out of Fine Bubbles
A cool $950,000 was paid for this yearling at the Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sales last month. He was bought by Coolmore Stud and will be trained by Chris Waller, of Winx fame. They’ll be hoping he can run!
NETBALL
Emily Andrew
Eighteen-year-old shooter Emily Andrew has already been named a Melbourne Vixens training partner and Australian U/19 Squad member after just a few games in the Victorian Netball League’s Championship division. The tall timber stands at 190cm and shot 202/259 goals for the Southern Saints in VNL’s 19U division, earning herself a spot in the 19U ‘team of the year’. Andrew’s natural skill and ability to play both GS and GA have made her one of the fastest developing netballers in the state, and she is sure to cause more havoc under the post in 2022.
Tara Watson
Victorian Institute of Sport and Vixens Academy member Tara Watson is one of Victoria’s most up-and-coming netballers. Tara’s talent has seen her elevated to both the VIC state team and Australian U/17 without even being in a VNL side – a rare achievement. The 16-year-old will play for the North East Blaze in their 19U team this year, and is sure to have another year of immense development.
Sussu Liai
Sussu Liai is another talented product of the Vixens Academy. Liai is a versatile asset to any team, playing both midcourt and defence. The recent school leaver has already made the Australian U/19 Squad and will play for the Peninsula Waves in the 2022 VNL.
Olivia Wilkinson
Olivia Wilkinson is another player climbing the netball ladder quickly, already training with Collingwood and being selected in the Australian 17/U Squad. Wilkinson stands at 190cm and shot at 87% in her first year of the VNL, where she was placed straight into the Championship division. Wilkinson was named in the VNL’s 19U ‘team of the year’ after a successful season playing with the Peninsula Waves.
SWIMMING
William Petric
Seventeen-year-old Petric is already putting his name in lights with strong performances at state and national level. The Nunawading prospect won three gold medals at the Australian Age Championships last year, earning him selection on the Australian team.
Evan Chee
Chee is right under the nose of Australian selectors, having performed strongly at the Australian Age Championships last year. His best events are considered to be the 200m and 400m individual medley.
Yanning Zhang
Zhang has already shown he can perform on the big stage, winning four medals at the Australian Age Championships in 2021. Officials say his best events are the 50 freestyle and 100 and 200m backstroke.
Isabella Boyd
The 16-year-old from Nunawading continues to improve every time she gets in the pool having already earned the right to swim on the national stage.
Alannah Torrance
A member of MLC Aqautic, Torrance is on the path to an exciting future, which was recognised as Swimming Victoria’s 14-year-old female age group champion last year.
Giselle Davey
Davey is a specialist in the butterfly and freestyle having raced in the National Age Championships last year. She is a member of the Firbank Aquastars Swimming Club.
Hayley Mackinder
The Geelong youngster made headlines last year after she broke the Girls 13-year 100m breaststroke record, which had stood for 26 years. She then went on to win the gold medal in the same event.
TENNIS
Koharu Nishikawa
The Bentleigh East youngster made the 13 and under state team last year and was a finalist at the 2021 Australian Claycourt Championships. With a universal rating of 8.2, she plays in Grade 2 of Tennis Victoria Pennant.
Bridget Mihulka
In the 14 and under ranks and rising fast. From Brunswick West, Mihulka was a state 15 and under representative last year and was selected in the Victorian Pizzey Cup team for the secondary schools national competition. Has an ITF junior ranking of 772 and plays for the North Suburban Junior Tennis Association in A Grade, as well as Grade 1 of Tennis Victoria Pennant.
Roisin Gilheany
From Port Melbourne, Gilheany has an ITF junior ranking of 222. The 16-year-old received a wildcard into the main draw of the Australian Open juniors this year. Won the junior ITF J4 (Preveza) singles last year and four junior doubles titles – Haifa, Ioannina, Preveza and Tarragona. Gilheany was a female junior athlete of the year finalist at the 2021 Australian tennis awards.
Nikolas Baker
The youngster from Mernda was ann 11 years and under state selection last year and a finalist at the Rafa Nadal Master Invitation Event in January. He’s also the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club’s 16 years and under boy’s singles club champion. Nikolas has a universal tennis ranking of 8.5 and is already competing in Grade 5 of Tennis Victoria Pennant. He’s some prospect.
Michael Korobitsin
From Warranwood, Korobitsin has already logged a long list of achievements, including in January when he was a finalist at the Rafa Nadal Master Invitation Event in 14 years and under ranks. He represented the Victorian 15 years and under team last year and Eastern Region at the 2022 Pat Cash Cup. Has also played association junior league for Eastern Region. Korobitsin had come to noticed in 2019 when School Sport Victoria selected him for the Bruce Cup Championship in Perth.
Cooper Errey
Errey, with an ATP ranking of 1777, competed at the Bendigo ATP Challenger 80 in January, an Australian Open lead-in event, and received a wildcard into the main draw of the Open juniors. From Ivanhoe, he’s the Kooyong Lawn Tennis Club’s men’s open singles champion – good going for a 16 years and under competitor.
Amor Jasika
Jasika, 17, from Greenvale, is making good progress in the game, playing Grade 1
Tennis Victoria Pennant. Competed at the Canberra ITF World Tennis Tour 25K event in February, after taking the court for the Australian Open juniors tournament.
CSB Championship Division ins, outs, key players for every club
There’s been some big comings and goings ahead of the Cricket Southern Bayside Championship season. Here’s a club-by-club guide, with all the ins, outs, key players and analysis.
Imports to bolster Kew’s premiership defence
After a against-the-odds premiership last season, Kew will be the hunted in VSDCA North-East this time around and has welcomed a trio of overseas recruits.