When it came to the big moments for Vic Metro at the AFL under-18 national championships, it was invariably Xavier O’Halloran who stood up and pointed the way.
Whenever the Western Jets have needed an impact at a crucial stage of a game, such as an important clearance or a team-lifting defensive act, it is often O’Halloran answering the call.
It’s what the 18-year-old from Altona does and it’s the reason why he was trusted with the Western Jets captaincy at the start of the TAC Cup season and then evolved into Vic Metro skipper by mid season.
“I’ve embraced it since day one and loved every minute of it,” O’Halloran said of the captaincy duties.
“It’s about paving the way for your teammates 100 per cent of the time.
“If you’re getting the majority of them to follow the example you set, you’re doing the right job.
“That includes showing them in times when a kid needs to step up late in a game that I can step up and do the job, and hopefully that becomes contagious and the rest of the boys can follow that too.”
O’Halloran, a powerful midfielder out of St Bernard’s, has excelled as captain from day one.
Jets coach Torin Baker has described him as a “strong leader” and reiterates that almost on a weekly basis.
Firstly, O’Halloran is a stand-up citizen, no job is too small for him behind the scenes.
“It’s just the little things that are important as captain,” he said.
“Whether that be picking up a drink bottle at training that someone might’ve left on the ground or sweeping the rooms after the game.
“It’s also showing support for your teammates on and off the field.
“If they’re having a bad day, someone is injured or something has happened in their home life, it’s sending a message or giving them a call to make sure they’re OK.”
It’s the little things that translate into O’Halloran’s game on the field too.
Sure, the AFL recruiters will remember his huge pack mark and calm set shot goal from 50-metres out at a crucial point in the game against Vic Country.
They will have the markings in their note pads to remind them of his big third quarter to get his team back in the match against South Australia.
Fresh in their minds will also be his exquisite pass to Ben King for the match-winning goal against Allies.
It’s the things that might go unnoticed observing from the grandstands that O’Halloran likes to pride himself on and endears him to his teammates.
“I just try and go week-in, week-out and just give four quarters of consistent effort,” he said.
“Whether that be one per centers, putting on some body pressure or some tackles or a block for my teammates.
“I just start with the team things, try and base my game from that and work my way from there.”
O’Halloran, who got his start in Auskick at Altona Juniors, was surprised when he got the nod to lead the Big V, but he should not have been, considering his body of work.
“When I heard the news I was actually quite shocked,” he said.
“I didn’t expect to get that role, but I was certainly stoked about it and extremely honoured to lead such a group of boys in an elite program.”
O’Halloran was disappointed that Vic Metro finished the championships as runners-up, but SA was stronger for longer in the decisive game.
His next mission is to lead the Jets “deep into the finals”, while concentrating on maximising his grades in year 12 at St Bernard’s.
O’Halloran is tipped to be drafted to the AFL later this year.
“That’s always been the dream since I was a young kid,” he said.
O’Halloran is the July nominee for the Don Deeble Rising Star award.
The award, hosted by the Sunshine Western Region Sports Club and
Star Weekly, recognises young athletes from the western suburbs who have achieved outstanding results at state and/or national levels.
O’Halloran will receive $1000, donated by the Yarraville Club Cricket Club, and other prizes to assist him in achieving his sports goal.
