Velachanty Dominic may be just 13, but she is already breaking through the sporting barriers.
The Brimbank Bucks rugby union young gun was selected as the only girl in the Melbourne Rebels under-13 squad to compete at the Southern States Junior Championships in Canberra earlier this month.
When she got to the tournament, she would find out that she was the only girl selected across the whole competition.
It was the first time that Dominic had represented her state.
“I felt like that was my biggest accomplishment,” she said.
“Sometimes it was challenging [at the championships] but it was a really good experience.
“It gave me the chance to play my favourite sport and show many others, that girls can play.”
Dominic admits there were some challenges being the only girl at the tournament, but she thought she played a good championship.
The Victorian team won two of their three matches, including the final one 72-10.
Dominic played as a winger, which was a move away from her normal position as fly-half.
Victorian under-13 representative team head coach Charlie Bird said Dominic showed great development over the course of the program.
“Her confidence grew on and off the field,” he said.
“During the tournament she put in some excellent performances demonstrating her strength and power, particularly in the tackle and breakdown.
“I have no doubt she will continue to develop, and I hope to see her representing the Melbourne Rebels Super W Team in the future.”
For Dominic, rugby union is in her blood. Her family is heavily involved with the Bucks which are based in Deer Park.
She said rugby had played a big part in her life and that the Bucks feels like home to her.
“I started playing rugby for the Brimbank Bucks in 2014, when I was seven-years-old,” she said.
“The whole family played and thought I should play too and I love it.
“Rugby has developed me into the strong, brave girl I am.”
Dominic has continued to play for the Bucks and is part of their under-14 team. She said there were a few other girls in the team which was good.
Having enjoyed her first state team, Dominic said she was keen to try out for another one soon.
“I may try out for another state team, an all school girls team. That would feel like a massive accomplishment as there aren’t many other girls playing rugby.”
Long term, she said she wants to play club rugby and try to make an Olympic team.
Rugby Victoria head of academy and elite pathways Pom Simona is one person who wouldn’t be surprised to see her make it.
“She is a very shy and reserved individual off the field but the total opposite on it,” he said.
“She’s very powerful and physical especially with the ball in hand and no doubt she will continue to develop into a very good rugby player.
“I’m sure if she keeps working hard we will see her in the near future at SuperW and hopefully Wallaroos level.”
