06 May 2022
Willem Vaessen has had an outstanding run at the Under 15s AFL Carnival this week. Playing with the Riverina South West team, Vaessen proved once again that Murrumbidgee can hold their own at state level AFL.
On Tuesday, the first day of the carnival, Riverina South West were slated for two games. Unfortunately, due to a last minute change of venue, games were reduced to half an hour. Despite this hurdle and some early slippery conditions however, Southwest triumphed. The team took out Sydney Southwest 4-7-31 to 0-3-3 and then beat the physically imposing Sydney East 28-12.
Wednesday, the second day of the carnival, Riverina Southwest carried their winning streak. The boys smashed South Coast 4-3-27 to 1-4-10. Though North Coast proved more of a challenge, they too could not match the skill and determination of Riverina Southwest, with our boys scoring 6-3-39 over their 3-3-21.
The grand final on Thursday against Hunter was a nailbiter. Unfortunately, however, due to a point that was scored after the final siren, Riverina Southwest lost 27-28.
Willem was commended on his ability to run through the ruck. He was also praised as a sound platform for the midfield to move down the ground. Perhaps the biggest tribute to his performance at the carnival though, was the fact that he was selected as a member of the NSW CHS Under 15 side on the strength of his performance over the three days. Congratulations Will! What a huge achivevement!
Photos by David Crelley
