YOUNG footballer Jed Hill will represent Vic Country in the upcoming under-16 national championships, which will be held in Geelong and the Gold Coast throughout July.
The son of well known Clunes footballer Jason Hill, the small forward was invited to the North Ballarat Rebels tryouts after impressive performances for the Ballarat Swans.
After trying out with 145 boys in November the Ballarat High School student was selected as part of the side to take part in the Vic Country championships against fellow TAC Cup clubs Dandenong, Geelong, Bendigo and Murray.
From the tournament the top 50 players were selected for the Vic Country squad which was narrowed down to the 30 players who will take part in the national championships.
Rebels under-16 coach Damian Ross said the 15-year-old’s willingness to learn had been a pivotal factor in his recent success.
“What I’ve liked about coaching him with the Rebels is that his development has been terrific,” Ross said. “The way he’s embraced the opportunity is reflective of why he’s got where he is.”
At less-than six feet tall, Ross said Hill had developed himself into a potent offensive player who had the ability to get his hands on the ball up the ground and make the right decisions while in possession.
This was highlighted in a Vic Country trial game where the youngster managed to kick six goals, including three in the first quarter.
“He’s developed into a really confident footballer,” Ross said. “His overhead marking for a guy of his stature is fantastic, and his defensive pressure is great which is really important for a small forward.”
While Hill was the only player from the Ballarat region to be selected in the Vic Country side, he was one of five from within the Rebels program to earn a guernsey.
The side will be led by Horsham’s Thomas Berry, who was named as the side’s captain ahead of their clash with Vic Metro at Skilled Stadium this Sunday.
