Colac footballer Brady Hall says All Australian selection following this year’s under-16 national championships has been yet another surreal moment during his breakout season.
The AFL named Hall in the back pocket of its All Australian team following this year’s under-16 AFL National Development Championships.
Hall, 16, said Falcons talent manager Tom Lonergan called on Tuesday night to deliver the news.
“I didn’t expect it, I was just lost for words really,” he said.
“Before the championships I was like everyone, just fighting for my spot in the team.
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Where To Buy“So to play all three games and get All Australian selection, I wasn’t expecting that at all, but I’m pretty grateful.”
Hall, who played a variety of roles in the backline as a 189-centimetre medium defender, averaged 15.7 disposals at 78-per-cent efficiency and four marks across Vic Country’s three games.
He had his best game of the tournament in Vic Country’s final game against South Australia when he was named Country’s best player, going head to head with All Australian full forward Tyler Welsh.
Hall was among four players from the David Wojcinski-led Vic Country team in the AA side, along with Bacchus Marsh’s Sam Lalor, Inverloch-Congwak’s Xavier Lindsay and Koroit’s Finn O’Sullivan
“We didn’t end up winning a game which was not the best, but the comp was unreal,” Hall said.
“We had two close games with Metro and WA, and in the last game South Australia just ran over the top of us, but it was a great experience,” he said.
“The first two games I just played my role.
“But the last game I was able to get on top and played one of my better games.”
About Hall, selectors wrote:
“Medium defender whose natural leap and overhead marking were both features of his game.
“Reads the ball exceptionally well in flight to intercept overhead and at ground level.
“He excelled in the final game against South Australia, where he was Victoria Country’s best player.”
Hall said the All Australian nod was another surreal moment in his breakout season.
At the start of the year he was a state basketballer, surprised to earn a spot with the Geelong Falcons’ under-16 side.
“The opportunities I’ve had the past three or four months, all of it’s come so quickly,” Hall said.
“Obviously I’ve had to work pretty hard for it, you’ve got to have that work ethic, but I just try to go out and have fun,” he said.
“For me, the more fun I have, the easier the game gets.
“But All Australian and playing for Vic Country, even the Falcons, it’s been a blessing.”
Hall said his parents Ange and Brett has been his biggest supports during his big season.
“Always Mum and Dad,” he said.
“Having Dad on the sidelines, he’s someone I can lean on but he can sit me in line as well.
“Matthew Buck and Michael Bright at the Falcons were great as well, but Dad has really guided me.”
With the season over for Hall’s Colac under-16 side, the youngster has snapped up an opportunity to continue training with the Geelong Falcons’ under-18 NAB League side.
“I still haven’t got a game yet but hopefully I can build towards that,” he said.
“But just having the opportunity to train with them when I’m not playing club footy has been great.”
Hall trains with the Falcons Tuesday and Thursday nights, while training with Basketball Victoria’s State Development Program on Monday nights and playing in the Victorian Junior Basketball League with Geelong United on Friday nights.
A panel comprising AFL talent ambassador and chairman Kevin Sheehan, and AFL National Academy coach/manager Tarkyn Lockyer, among others, selected the All-Australian team.
Sheehan said the All Australian nod was deserved recognition for their outstanding performance throughout the championships.
“Selection in the 2022 NAB AFL National Development Championships Under-16 Boys All-Australian Team is a significant honour and all players are thoroughly deserving of their selection in the team,” Sheehan said.
“The players selected represent the best young footballers in the country and highlight the quality of talent coming through the national pathway programs.”