Eamon Hyde climbs high for a grab in his side’s clash against Tasmania. Credit: Mary Hyde.
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At 187cm tall, Eamon Hyde knows what it’s like to walk in rarefied air.
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But after finding his name on the list of the best football players in the country in his age group, the 15-year-old has taken himself to heights that, even by his standards, are stratospheric.
The towering defender has been named in the All Australian under-15s squad, selected by scouts at the recent School Sport Australia Championships in north Brisbane, Queensland.
To seal the deal, the vice-captain of Team Vic’s under-15s squad enjoyed the laurels after his side claimed gold over South Australia at the championship grand final on Saturday, August 2.
Team Vic head coach Sean Kavanagh said he wasn’t surprised when he learned Hyde had made his way into the All Australian side.
“He was easily the best key defender in the competition,” Kavanagh said.
“Eamon came in as a key position player, we saw him as being really important to our structure as a key defender.
“He’s a big boy for his age, and plays a really mature game of footy.”
Forming a vital part of his side’s leadership team, the vice-captain was named best player in at least three of his five fixtures.
Just how integral Hyde was to Team Vic’s hopes of claiming a flag came to the fore in the semi-final with Western Australia, when a last-ditch defensive effort by Hyde all but confirmed Victoria’s place in the grand final.
“WA were coming hard at us, and their ruckman, with about 10, 15 seconds to go, took a snap shot from about 30 metres out,” Kavanagh said.
Eamon Hyde has made waves after being named among the best footballers in the country. Credit: Mary Hyde.
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“Eamon was able to get his hand on the ball before it crossed the line, seeing us hold on and win by four points.”
In the grand final, Kavanagh said Hyde and his fellow defenders were unpassable.
“He played a vital role in that as a key defender, probably took 10 marks in that game and was vital, and obviously saw us come away winning by 17 points,” he said.
“His leadership, his maturity, the work he’s done and the coaches that he’s had, I see a really bright future for him.
“He’s got all the attributes to continue through the pathway, and I’m really excited for where he can take his footy next.”
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