Sport
28 May, 2026
Champions picked for state competition
Charlton’s Toby Bourke and Wedderburn’s Sullivan Steel will play for the Under 14 Boys team and Boort’s Millie Pink will represent the Under 12 Girls.
THREE North Central junior hockey stars have been chosen in the North West Lightning team for the Junior State Championships (JSC) hockey in July.
Charlton’s Toby Bourke and Wedderburn’s Sullivan Steel will play for the Under 14 Boys team and Boort’s Millie Pink will represent the Under 12 Girls.
The Lightning brings together the best players from the North Central, Sunraysia, Goulburn Valley, Wimmera and Central Victoria hockey associations.
Wedderburn coach Steve Giorlando says the sky is the limit for Sullivan, who having just turned 14 is already playing for the Redbacks’ senior men’s side and has held his own against teams including last year’s premiers, Calder United.
“When his body catches up to where his mind is – maybe when he’s 18 – he is going to be unstoppable.”
It’s high praise from a veteran player and coach who knows a bit about young talent – Giorlando’s daughter Shelby has represented the Australian Country Under 21 team in matches in Asia for the past two years.
And more accolades may be coming Sullivan’s way – he has been invited to trial for the Hockey Victoria Academy, from which state teams are selected.
Two weeks ago, Sullivan, a striker with Wedderburn, represented the North Central Under 14 boys at the junior country championships in Melbourne, where his team finished fourth.
He is more than ready for the state titles.
“It’s pretty exciting – it will improve my skills and my teamwork,” he said, noting that his speed is his best asset.
Millie is a goalkeeper who won the North Central junior goalkeeper of the year award last season. while Toby plays as a defender for the Navy Blues.
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