By ADEM SARICAOGLU
GUN Tarneit footballer Liam McMahon has been honoured as this year’s Victoria University Nathan Prince Scholarship recipient.
The 17-year-old Western Jet and Hoppers Crossing junior is the third recipient of the scholarship, named in the memory of former Jet Nathan Prince, who tragically died following an on-field incident in 2011.
McMahon said he was honoured to receive the scholarship.
“It’s a privilege to have an award that’s held in such high regard around the football club,” McMahon said.
“I just hope to fulfil it in the same values that I show around the football club and respect the award for what it is.”
Coming into his top-age year with the Jets, McMahon has enrolled in a clinical science course within the College of Sport and Exercise Science at Victoria University.
After playing 13 games as a bottom-ager with the Jets in 2013, McMahon is keen to make a big impression this year.
His best performance of the season came against the Calder Cannons in the finals series last September, where McMahon gathered 18 disposals and six marks.
While a groin injury has hampered his pre-season preparation, McMahon said he hopes to establish himself as a regular starter in the Jets’ line-up this year.
“After getting on the list and playing 13 games last year I’m just looking forward to hopefully playing as many games as I can this year and developing my game to get as far as I can into next year,” McMahon said.
“I’d definitely love to make the highest level but if not, I’m definitely keen to push on for VFL and whatever opportunity that arises at a higher level, I’m going to take it with both hands.”
With practice matches set to begin in coming weeks, the Jets will commence their 2014 TAC Cup campaign against Calder in mid-March.
