He won the best on ground medal in the under-17 Wimmera Football League grand final and has already made multiple appearances in Ararat’s senior team.

Cosgriff will continue his development, making his first interleague appearance in the WFL exhibition match at the weekend.

The 17-year-old said he was excited for the upcoming junior exhibition game.

“It is good to be involved in these things,” he said.

“It is more of a fun thing for me to play these games.

“This will be my first interleague game but I have been involved down at the Greater Western Victoria Rebels at times as well.”

Cosgriff has been playing football since under-13s before transitioning into the Rats program and working his way through the junior ranks.

He has notched up a couple of senior games this season and looks poised to continue to make an impression at the top level.

The junior Ararat player said he attributes his current form to under-17 coach Matthew Summers.

“Matt has had the biggest influence on my football so far I think, his connections with the players are good and I see him a fair bit at school as well,” he said.

He said he has made a lot of memories at the club but one sticks out in particular with more to come.

“The grand final win has probably been my highlight, it is a good feeling to win one,” he said.

“I hope I can keep playing for Ararat, I do not have any intentions of leaving any time soon.”