Harper Sercombe
Young gun Harry Gardner-Solomon made his debut for West Footscray in the Western Region Football League division 3 during its win against Laverton.
The 14-year-old made his senior debut due to the WRFL’s 23rd player rule which allows players who turn 19 in 2023, or younger, who are yet to play three or more senior games, feature as the 23rd player for their team during the last round.
“It was very nerve wracking… the fact that it was on the radio and a lot of people were spectating it, it’s probably the most amount of spectators I’ve ever had watching me play footy,” Harry said.
“The team definitely gave me a confidence boost, they got around me after each play, which definitely made me a bit less nervous.
“But it felt very good after the game when they were getting around me, even the other team was shaking my hand and telling me good job.”
However, he was able to overcome the early nerves impressing on debut, booting two goals in the Roosters 18.14 (122)-3.5 (23) win.
The selection was warranted after playing some good footy for the Roosters under-16s team, kicking 20 goals from 10 games, including a haul of 10 against Altona.
“[I was] just getting to the full forwards feet, just trying to get some sneaky goals,” he said.
“In the seniors, I felt like that (small forward) was the right position to play. But in juniors I do feel like it’s better for me to play midfield.”
Unfortunately the 23rd man disappears for the remaining two games of the home and away season where a win will guarantee the Roosters a finals berth, leaving Harry’s spot in the side up in the air.
“I don’t think I’m going to get selected,” he said.
“It’s disappointing but it’s what I expected. I was very happy to be selected even for the 23rd man.
“If they select me I’m definitely going to be happy to play but we’ll just have to see where it goes from here.”
With a long career ahead for Harry, playing AFL is something that he sees on the horizon.
“It’s definitely on my mind, I’m definitely going to try and go for it.”
