If ever there was a junior who summed up the spirit of Aussie Rules, Kingaroy Nanango Jet, Nathan Trace would have to be it. While many boys of his age and ability are consumed by the glamour of breaking into the AFL, Trace, 14, just plays for the sheer love of it.
"Getting into the AFL isn't really an ambition of mine. I just cant want to keep playing local football," Trace said.
He may be humble, but don't be fooled - Trace's talent and commitment are undeniable. Confirmation of this lies in Trace's selection as the captain of the under 14 Darling Downs team to compete at the State Championships. Trace makes the two-hour trip to Toowoomba to train every week and has impressively not missed a single session with the under 14 team.
"I don't mind the drive, it's pretty good being on a team like this," Trace said. "I think we have a really strong team this year, we should have a chance of making the final. This is my first time as captain. I'm a little bit nervous but everyone has been very supportive. I normally play centre half or on-ball, but i'll be playing on the wing for Darling Downs."
Trace plays club fixtures for the Kingaroy-Nanango Jets, represented Wide Bay in the under 12's in 2006-2007, and also made the under14 Darling Downs team last year. Outside Aussie Rules, Trace plays cricket and has proved to be a talented cross country runner.
"I do a bit of cross country, i have been to state for it which was pretty good," Trace said. "Aussie Rules is definitely my favourite though."
Junior Sport, Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Last Modified on 10/03/2010 17:33
