Western Jets player Jayden Laverde has capped off a brilliant under-18 national football carnival for Vic Metro by being named in the competition’s All-Australian team.
The 189-centimetre forward impressed with his agility and smarts around goal.
Laverde averaged 16.8 disposals at 74 per cent efficiency and five marks per game.
He was the only Western Jets player to make the All-Australian team, but he was joined in the side by Vic Metro teammate and Keilor junior Paul Ahern.
The Calder Cannons midfielder showed an impressive mix of speed and endurance throughout the championships, playing as an inside and outside midfielder.
He averaged 17 disposals at 71.8 per cent efficiency, three clearances and 1.4 goals per game.
AFL talent manager Kevin Sheehan said the championships were played to a high standard and many players had put themselves forward for selection.
“Many of the players selected will be named by clubs at the NAB AFL draft in November,” Sheehan said.
“Both Victorian teams played very well throughout the carnival and they have been rewarded with 12 All-Australian players.
“South Australia were outstanding, winning division 1 back-to-back. Theirs was a very even team performance and they were rewarded with four players selected.”
While Laverde and Ahern were playing together for Vic Metro, their respective TAC Cup sides did battle at the weekend.
The Calder Cannons edged the Western Jets by four points in a thrilling contest.
The Jets trailed at every break before charging home in the last quarter, outscoring Calder 3.5 to 2.1.
However, it wasn’t enough to reel in the deficit, with the Cannons able to hold on for the 10.9 (69) to 9.11 (65) win.
Mark Orr, Liam McMahon and Connor Menadue were among the best players for Western and were well supported by three goals from Pele Manivong.
The Jets slipped to 6-6 for the season and are sixth on the ladder.
Calder remains in outright second with a 10-2 record.
The Jets will look to bounce back when they take on the ninth-placed Murray Bushrangers in Wangaratta on Sunday.
