Geelong Advertiser |
HE’S made a habit of kicking goals for Bell Park this season but James Worpel will be hoping for a clean sheet when he pulls on a Big V guernsey this weekend.
The 15-year-old will move into defence mode when he represents the School Sport Victoria team in the national championships.
James won selection in the 25-man squad after impressive performances for the Geelong Falcons in the V/Line Cup and a series of trial games run by School Sport Victoria.
The sole Geelong representative in the 15 and under team, James starred in a variety of roles for Vic Country.
“I played in a few positions in the practice matches but I’ll be playing at centre-half-back or across half back for Victoria,” James said.
“It’s where I’ve played for the Falcons, but for my local club I’m the leading goal-kicker.”
James has bagged 24 majors for the Dragons’ under-16 Division 1 colts team but said he was comfortable at either end of the ground.
“I’m not fussed,” he said.
“At the Falcons there’s some really good coaches, so you can pick things up pretty quickly.”
James, who was emergency for the under-12 state team in 2011, will play in a series of practice matches and training sessions before competing in the School Sport Australia Championships from July 19 to 25.
Victoria will play three-round robin games, with a spot in the semi-final and grand final up for grabs.
The SCG and Spotless Stadium are among the venues for the championships.
