Football: Abbott's star is rising

Albany footballer Brenden Abbott has continued his rise up the football ranks after being selected as one of the final 25 players who will travel to Blacktown in New South Wales in July to compete in the NAB AFL Under-16 Championships.

Adding to that, Abbott was named among four captains for the trip after impressing fellow players and coaches during the training program.

Picture: Laurie Benson

WA State 16s coach John Sharp said Abbott has demonstrated a terrific attitude towards the program and has been a vital player in the team.

“He has been fantastic, he has really embraced the program and was named one of our four captains,” he said. “Brenden has played in three of our four trial games, playing at half-back and has provided good run and carry from the back half.”

Sharp said Abbott’s body size had also been an asset to the team, who had come up against physically stronger teams.

“He has a good body size and has won a lot of contested ball for us,” he added.

“We have chosen opponents who will really test our players in the lead-up and the boys have played against older and physically stronger teams.”

Sharp said Abbott’s commitment to travel to Perth regularly for training and games was also commended.

“His attitude has been great, we have 10 country footballers that make the trip here regularly and that is great on their behalf,” he said.

WA will face Victoria Metro in their first match on July 9, before playing Vic Country on July 12 and then finishing with South Australia on July 15.

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