Gisborne’s Sam Ramsay is usually a midfielder, but he was thrown a different challenge while part of the School Sport Victorian 15 years and under football team.
Ramsay had to learn fast how to adjust to life on the half-back line and the coaches’ faith was rewarded.
Not only did Ramsay help his side win the national title, he was also named in the all-Australian team of the best players at the championships, which were held in Maroochydore.
He was named among his side’s best players in three of its five matches.
Ramsay said his selection in the all-Australian team had yet to sink in.
“I thought I went all right and thought I had played some consistent football,” he said.
“I didn’t mind playing at half-back. The biggest thing is, you always need to know where your direct opponent is.”
The Maribyrnong College student was selected for the Victorian team after successfully trialling against other players who had put their hand up.
“You had to register and they had a trial and I made the cut,” he said.
“There ended up only being two trials and there was a couple of games, too. After the last trial, I thought I could make the team.”
He was one of six players from his school to make the Victorian team, with Braemar College’s Sebastian Bell-Bartels also selected.
Victoria won all its games, including the final, against South Australia, 9.7 (61)-7.4 (46).
Ramsay said the best thing about the championships was the friendships he formed with other players.
Unfortunately, Ramsay won’t get the chance to head to South Africa with his fellow all-Australians.
Every second year, the all-Australian team travels to South Africa – and this just happens to be a non-travel year.
The Melbourne supporter said he hoped to take his football as far as he could.
He currently plays with the Gisborne Rookies and was part of the Calder Cannons under-15 squad.
