Congratulations to former YJFL Juniors Jagga Smith (Richmond JFC) and Tom Gross (Hawthorn Citz & Kew Rovers) who were selected for the 2024 Under 18 Boy’s All Australian side after competing in this year’s National Championships. The pair had excellent carnivals, along with the 6 other YJFL graduates in the Vic Metro Squad in Gabriel Stumpf – Warrandyte JFC, Lucas Tovey (Park Orchards JFC), Josh Smillie (Park Orchards JFC), Zak Johnston (St. Mary’s JFC), Louis Emmett (Glen Iris JFC), & Jesse Dattoli (Ivanhoe JFC).
Jagga Smith is a lively and creative midfielder who did his chances of going at the pointy end of the draft no harm, as he showed great ability to step through congestion with composure. He averaged 29.2 disposals (13.8 contested) at 82% efficiency with 6.8 clearances. Not only was he an influential part of the Championship-winning team, he also finished third in the Larke Medal and was honoured by being named captain of the All-Australian team.
A medium mid/forward, Tom Gross had a competitive edge with explosive speed out of stoppage and in the contest. He has the ability to play a flashy outside player or the grunt work to get it done on the inside too. He was particularly outstanding on the wing against South Australia and was one of Victoria Metro’s most consistent players wherever he played throughout the carnival, averaging 20 disposals, 3.5 tackles and three clearances per game.
Keep an eye out on YJFL socials over the next few weeks, with video interviews to be published with some of our YJFL Vic Metro stars.
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