SECRET Harbour’s Judd Peterson has been selected for the state schoolboys 12s AFL team to compete in the national championships beginning next week.
Judd gained a place on the team after being nominated by his school, Secret Harbour Primary, and proving his talents at a series of training sessions and elimination games.
His mum Tara said the tryouts were “pretty daunting”, but it was more than worth it after he found out he was on the team.
“Judd lives for his football, and is very excited and proud to have been selected,” she said.
She said he was happy to be playing on WAFL grounds, following the example of his favourite player, Fremantle Dockers’ star Hayden Ballantyne.
“He actually barracks for Carlton though,” she laughs.
“He jumped ship.”
Judd started playing football early, and at the age of five, was trying to keep up with his older brother.
“He’s pretty focused,” Tara said. “He started playing Auskick as soon as he was old enough and he now plays with the Secret Harbour Dockers.”
He was presented with his team uniform at a formal ceremony at Joondalup Arena earlier this week, and according to Tara, it has been hard for him not to wear it.
“He wants to wear it all the time,” Tara said. “But he’s not allowed unless he is playing.”
Judd will get the chance to don his jersey on July 26 at the first game at Rushton Park, when WA takes on Queensland.