ARARAT’S Matt Taylor has been selected for the all-abilities Vic Country football team.
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The 16-year-old, who currently plays for the Ararat Eagles and Grampians Giants, said he is proud of the accomplishment.
“It’s great news for the town, Ararat Eagles, Grampians Giants, myself and my family,” he said.
Taylor is the only player selected in the squad from the Giants.
He said he is proud of the accomplishment.
“Yeah, it’s great, I started when I was younger, so it has been hard at times but it’s good,” he said.
Grampians Giants coordinator Lachlan Smith said the selection was not a surprise.
"Matt is a great midfielder,” he said.
“He goes at the football pretty hard and he likes to win his own ball.
“He is a confident kid who has always dreamed of playing AFL so to make the Vic Country team is a really special achievement for him.
“He is extremely athletic and he is a good goal kicker.”
He started playing in the under-13 Rovers side moving to the Ararat Eagles.
Taylor quickly progressed into the reserves and has recently made his senior debut. He said the little things in the game give him the most enjoyment.
“Just getting out there with a good bunch of mates and kicking the footy around,” he said.
Smith said it is a good chance for Taylor to continue his football journey.
“He is capable at all levels but really rises to the top in all abilities football,” he said.
“He will play one more game for Grampians Giants before finals."
The ruckman continues to train three nights a week in the lead-up to the Vic Country games.
The avid Geelong Cats fan had the chance to meet one of his football role models two weeks ago.
Taylor met Patrick Dangerfield at the Ararat Eagles sportsman’s night on July 13
He said he took plenty of confidence from Dangerfield’s words of wisdom.
‘Just keep playing your game, keep improving, and one day you’ll get there’ were Dangerfield’s words of wisdom, which Taylor said still ring in his ears everyday.
He said he hopes to use this experience to further his football career, and pursue it into the future.
“I would really like to pursue it as a career,” he said.
Vic Country will play against the other state representative sides in August in Melbourne including a game at Etihad Stadium.
