By Liam Twomey
THREE members of the Williamstown CYMS Football Club’s under-18 side are in for the trip of a lifetime when they jet off to New Zealand for an international tour with the Victorian Amateur Football Association.
Josh Newton, Tim Murphy and Sean O’Shea-Korbet were selected in a 24-man squad that will play two matches against New Zealand representative sides as well as promote Australian Rules Football in the rugby-dominated country.
The boys’ Williamstown coach Mathew Montebello said he couldn’t think of three more deserving athletes.
“Josh and Shaun are two of the older boys in our side and they are really the heart and soul of the team. They are always showing great leadership around the group and are just the sort of guys you love to have in your team,” Montebello said.
“In choosing these three boys I couldn’t think of three better people and personalities to represent our club and the VAFA.”
Newton plays in the ruck while O’Shea-Korbet has won the nickname ‘the junkyard dog’ for his work at full back.
The two boys will be joined by their team-mate Murphy who was enjoying an outstanding season, which included a near best-on-ground effort after making his senior debut.
However, it all came to a screeching halt when he injured his hamstring shortly after.
“I’m really glad Tim gets the opportunity to go on this trip. He would have come close to winning our best-and-fairest had he not got injured,” Montebello said.
“The best thing about these three guys is that they are all really good mates and they will no doubt enjoy this trip.”
Montebello credited the VAFA for organising the tour to New Zealand as well as a number of other exciting initiatives for clubs during the season.
“It’s great to give these kids a different football experience. Not many people get to travel as part of our game in general so it’s a great opportunity,” he said.
“Also to be able to travel with guys who you have previously played against as opponents and now get to line up with as team mates is a great experience.”
The trip is sure to further cement the boys as future leaders of the Williamstown CYMS Football Club when they move onto senior football.
