Success … Werribee players Jonathon De Pellegrin, left, and Matthew Fitzpatrick returned home this week after travelling to New Zealand as members of the VAFA’s under-18 team.
By Luke D’Anello
THE opposition may have been bigger and stronger, but the Victorian Amateur Football Association’s (VAFA) under-18 team returned home last week from a successful five-day trip to New Zealand.
The VAFA team played two matches against an under-20s line-up from New Zealand and claimed victory in both matches, by 24 points and 40 points.
Werribee’s Matthew Fitzpatrick, 17, who was vice-captain of the team, said he learned plenty from his time away, including how to gell with a new set of teammates.
Another Tiger, Jonathon De Pellegrin, 16, was also selected for the team.
The pair was nominated by their coach at the Tigers, Mike Turner.
“It was definitely the experience of a lifetime, and I loved it. It was the best five days I’ve had, I reckon,” Fitzgerald, 17, said.
“They (New Zealand) were a bit more physically developed than us. In the physical side we were probably outmatched, but we just used our running strength to get over them.”
Fitzgerald, a wingman, said the trip was made easier by the presence of his Werribee teammate.
The selection of the pair was based on strong performances during the VAFA season, and they vindicated the faith.
“We’ve been mates for a few years, and I just moved to Werribee this year and Jonathon’s the captain. It was great travelling with him and a great experience to share it with someone you know as well.
“I think we both represented the footy club well and you can’t ask for much more, really. Jonathon played some great games.”
Meanwhile, De Pellegrin was simply pleased to get the chance to represent his league.
“Seeing as my coach, Mike, really wanted me to get into representative footy, he gave me this opportunity and I’m pretty stoked with it,” De Pellegrin said.
“I haven’t really been that successful with playing any representative footy, so this is a year that I’ve been really happy with and I achieved my goals, I guess.”
