Around 900 players clamoured for 20 spots throughout a series of cut-throat trials, meaning Kialla West Primary School’s Sullivan Gray had his work cut out for him to earn State representative honours.
Already garnering a reputation as a cool head beyond his years and a slick user of the footy, however, the Shepparton Bears junior put his best boot forward to dazzle selectors and thrust his name among the best primary school-aged talent in the country.
Gray is Canberra-bound in early August to represent Victoria in the 2026 School Sport Australia National Championships, and although he’s only 11, the significance of donning the Big V isn’t lost on the rising star.
“It’s great being able to represent the team with the Big V jumper on,” Gray said.
“(Trials) were pretty hard; there were some good kids there.
“I’m lucky and so grateful to get in.”
The Shepparton Bears junior has plied his trade for the club’s under-14 outfit so far this season, a noted talent at halfback but able to impact almost anywhere across the ground.
However, he’s keen to see how his new teammates can gel as a whole on the field against rival States, and he’ll be hoping to bring together the troops as a member of Victoria’s newly anointed leadership group.
“I’m definitely looking forward to meeting the teammates and coaches, and seeing how we all go together,” Gray said.
His selection comes as no surprise to Shepparton Junior Football Club president Vic Bovalino.
Gray has developed his skill set under Bears junior coach Nick Brown throughout the budding stages of his career, and Bovalino has seen first-hand the talent on display.
“He’s a standout by a mile,” Bovalino said.
“He’ll get in spots you don’t see kids get to.
“He does it all; in-and-under, clean off halfback, he’ll go to half-forward and kick goals.”
In terms of football inspiration, St Kilda fan Gray says he has a soft spot for all members of Ross Lyon’s squad, with a particular mention for Marcus Windhager and Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera.
But it’s a Bulldogs legend he models his game off, and if the Bear cub can mimic even a fraction of Marcus Bontempelli’s skill set, it’s fair to say he’ll be one to watch for years to come.
Gray won’t be the only local influence lending their services to Team Victoria, with former GVL coach and Bourchier Street Primary School’s Duane Hueston also set to make the trip.
Hueston has been named a member of the coaching panel in the Big V title bid and will be a key influence for the budding young football stars.
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