Shepparton News’ Goulburn Valley League Football Rising Star for April: Liam Teague

In 2026, Teague’s first official year of senior footy has seen nothing but growth.

The teenage talent has averaged 21 disposals a game across the month of April, most recently followed up with a 25-touch game against Rochester in the first game of May.

His best performance came in a gritty round three win over Mooroopna, where the midfielder amassed 30 disposals at a disposal efficiency of 80 per cent.

Shepparton co-coach Xavier Stevenson praised Teague’s development over the summer, with improved fitness allowing the youngster to increase his output this season.

“The growth doesn’t happen by chance,” Stevenson said.

“Liam puts in a power of work, he’s a real football head and he puts a lot of time into himself.

“He’s seen some huge growth in the last 12–18 months in the gym and his running has improved.

“It helps with his game where he’s got a nice blend of where he can win his own football inside the contest, and get it on the outside too.

“We’re lucky with the amount of players we can throw in the middle, so he’s been impactful through his clearances, ground ball gets etcetera, but also forward of the ball too.”

With an unbeaten start to the year, Teague’s spot in the side doesn’t look likely to be relinquished anytime soon, admirably yet to drop out of the senior side to the thirds or reserves ever since his round seven debut in 2025.

Stevenson lauded Teague’s style of play for fitting into the Bears’ system, noting his best football coincides with how Shepparton aim to attack.

“We want to play a fast brand of football and get the game on our terms from our pressure,” Stevenson said.

“He’s able to contribute in both sides of the game with his tackling, and then the by-product of that is he’s able to reap that reward back on the outside.

“His ceiling is yet to be reached, so we’re excited to see that continual growth.”