Wilford, 16, has gone from strength to strength on the hockey field; most recently, winning the Victorian Junior Country Championships as part of the under 17s Albury Wodonga team.

In April, playing for the Wagga under 18s, Wilford took home another gold medal in the NSW State Championships, as his team won the Division 3 competition.

Wilford is a Victorian state academy player, and he certainly doesn’t lack the ambition or commitment to reach the pinnacle in the sport.

Ultimately, Wilford wants to play for the Kookaburras, playing three games per week to refine his skills.

He conceded just one goal in the Victorian Country Championships.

For him, there’s no better feeling than saving a goal, particularly when the ball hurtles towards him at 140km/hour.

“I feel pretty pumped, that’s about it,” he said.

His parents, Ian and Natasha, support his passion by taking him to Albury to play each week, and to Melbourne for academy commitments.

Ian, who plays alongside his son for the Royals in the men’s division one hockey competition, couldn’t be more proud.

“With autism they’ve got to have a set routine to keep them calm and relaxed, but hockey’s not structured,” Ian said.

“The ball can come from anywhere, and for him to be able to do what he can is incredible.”

His teammates have become his best friends.

“I like playing alongside George Kendell, he’s a fullback, he’s always there, always stops the ball if it’s coming in," Logan said.

“He has a lot of friends and support and belief in him,” Ian said.