By Grant Hitzman
Queensland’s Calem Volker has been instrumental in the World XVIII team’s two victories at the 2013 NAB AFL Under 16 National Championships in Sydney this week.
And according to the Bundaberg teenager, he is loving every minute of it.
Volker, who was picked alongside two other Queenslanders in Jason Lee and Mabiol Chol, was initially selected in Queensland’s squad after the state championships, but was later cut.
Volker’s disappointment was short lived however, as World Team selectors Kevin Sheehan, Chris Johnson, Michael Ablett and Darren Flanigan snapped at the opportunity to add the speedy midfield to their 26-man squad.
Volker, whose mother is German, is relishing the opportunity to play in an elite competition and hopes all the hard work will pay off.
“The championships have been a great opportunity so far for me to play in front of AFL club recruiters,” Volker said.
“My ultimate career goal is to get drafted. Playing with the World Team has been great and I believe that my hard work and dedication will help me achieve my goals.”
The World Team faced WA North-West in their first game on Sunday July 7th, emerging victorious by a slim nine-point margin.
They then played their second game of the Championships on Wednesday July 10th, where they gave South Pacific a 112-point pasting, with Volker producing a near best on ground performance.
Although the young Queenslander has been impressive during the championships thus far, he is not quick to forget those who have made his football journey possible.
“Without mum I would not be in the position I am in now. She has taken me to every possible training and is always there.”
“My family are totally supportive and committed with my AFL and help me with everything.”
Volker and the World XVIII will play their final game of the Championships against the Flying Boomerangs this Saturday.
RESULTS
Round 1
World XVIII 10.15 (75) def.
WA North-West 10.6 (66)
GOALS
World XVIII: Moshoeshoe 2, Paligorov 2, Mostert 2, Kerbatieh, Choi, Kennedy, Greyling
WA North-West: Gore, Birch, Seton, Evans, Shaw, Simons, Cox, Oakley, Ahchee, Djiagween
BEST
World XVIII: El Mousalli, Mostert, Aujla, Kerbatieh, Santillo, Moshoeshoe, Volker
WA North-West: Seton, Petera, Gore, Daley, Birch
Round 2
World XVIII 22.10 (142) def.
South Pacific 4.6 (30)
GOALS
World XVIII: Mostert 6, Sokoyi 5, Jok 3, Moussalli 2, Paligorov 2, Kerbatieh, Moshoeshoe, Sekori, Mamur
South Pacific: Siwee 2, Havea, Morehari
BEST
World XVIII: Mostert, Volker, Kerbatieh, Sokoyi, Aujla, Jok
South Pacific: Ngata, Misioli, Clark, Havea, Tirang
