Western Metro lacrosse selectors have deemed Jackson Marsh’s talents too good to hold back in his own age group.
Marsh, who represents Footscray Lacrosse Club in the under-13s, will be the youngest player in the western under-15 squad heading to the national championships in Perth later this month.
Marsh, from Hoppers Crossing, is not daunted by the prospect of playing against older, more developed players.
“I think I’ll handle it fine,” he said.
“It’s exciting that I’m good enough to make the team even though I’m young.
‘‘It’s all of the extra work that I’ve
been doing. I train almost every night on my face-offs and work on my speed and strength.”
Marsh has followed in the footsteps of his dad Chris to play the face-off position for Footscray.
Chris played in that position at both Footscray and Williamstown and is never short of advice for his son.
“He’s been teaching me how to do the face-off,” Marsh said.
“He’s also taught me how to catch and throw and how to score goals.”
Scoring goals is Marsh’s forte. He fired in no fewer than 77 goals for his club side this regular season.
“I think I’m the leading scorer in Victoria,” Marsh said.
Marsh looks up to senior Footscray players James Lawerson and Chris Plumb. Lawerson was a star for Australia at the recent world championships, while Plumb was named as an alternate.
“They’re fast and they’re strong,” Marsh said.
“They’ve got really good stick skills and good game smarts.”
Marsh is confident the west’s best have what it takes to succeed in WA.
He’s one of four Footscray juniors who will make the trip, including Oscar Latch, Michael Mravlek and Jack Vella.
“I’m happy that I’ve made the team and I’m looking forward to it,” Marsh said.
“I really want to win the title and I reckon we’ve got a good chance.”
Griffin Nicholas, Callan Gibson, Lachlan Russell, Jordan O’Driscoll and Jacob Poole, who is an alternate, have made the squad from Williamstown.
Ben Tither, Simon Cashat, Nick Burgess and alternate Saimone Lino will fly the flag for Altona.
