Narooma AFL Lions player Jai Reed was again selected as the league’s Under 16 Best and Fairest at the Sapphire Coast AFL presentation at Merimbula on Wednesday night.
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It’s back to back for Reed as he was selected best and fairest last year as well. It was a huge shock for his family since he only played six games out of 12 this year, but he did get best on ground five times out of those six games.
“We’re so proud,” mum Mel Thompson said.
Reed has also been playing for the Greater Western Sydney Giants Under 16's academy making a name for himself on the national level.
He was selected in the 25-man Under 16 NSW/ACT Rams squad to participate in the 2016 National Championships held last month up on the Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium, home of the Suns.
Reed's performances for the Under 16's Giants academy in the tri-series against the Swan's academy was enough to impress selectors and coaches.
NSW beat Queensland in their first game and Reed kicked two goals and was named second best on ground. They then played Tasmania and lost by 16 points, but according to mum there were a lot of talent scouts at these games watching.
Reed, currently in Year 11 at Narooma High School, played in Under 16s and First Grade for the Narooma Lions and next year will be focussed on his final year of school and also the First Grade.
He said his ultimate goal was still be to selected to one of the AFL teams making it as a professional footballer.
Stan Gorton
Walkley-nominated journalist based at The Islander on Kangaroo Island with an interest in the local community and the environment.
Walkley-nominated journalist based at The Islander on Kangaroo Island with an interest in the local community and the environment.
