ASK those in the know how young gun Luke Stevens has handled the jump to first grade for Wagga City Wanderers, and they'll tell you he's handled it with ease.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
So it comes as no surprise he'll be one of Mater Dei Catholic College's key players when they look to retain their Creed Shield title, beginning against Kildare Catholic College on Wednesday night.
Still 16, the attacking midfielder has eased into first grade for the Wanderers on the wing and has been influential in back-to-back wins which has put them back into finals contention.
"You learn a lot, you're playing against more talented and physical opposition and you rise to that challenge," Stevens said.
"It teaches you to play the game smarter when you play against bigger guys."
Mater Dei's line-up also includes dynamic attackers Harry Trevaskis and Cameron Weir, who have both cemented themselves in second-placed Henwood Park's Pascoe Cup first grade side this season.
Trevaskis was joint winner of the Brian Thomas Medal for best on ground with rival Will Lonsdale in Mater Dei's 3-0 win over Wagga High in last year's final.
Stevens expects Wagga High to be their main rivals again this year.
"I can't go past Wagga High again, played them in the final last year and won but this year I think will be a tougher challenge," he said.
"But there's a lot of strong competition like Kildare and Kooringal, hopefully we can come out on top again."
Stevens' sister, 14-year-old Hannah, is part of a young Mater Dei outfit gunning for a third straight shield.
They begin their title defence against Wagga High School on Wednesday night.
"There's a few younger girls come in and it's good they've wanted to step up and play," Stevens said.
"I love soccer and Luke encourages me to get better. He's very talented, has improved a lot over the years and helps me do the same."
Hannah got moved up from the Wanderers' under-15 squad to the under-17s this year to accelerate her development.
"It's good to play with the older girls because it develops me an individual."
Preliminary games will be played over the next three Wednesdays at Rawlings Park, with grand finals to take place at Gissing Oval on Wednesday, August 21.
WEDNESDAY'S DRAW
Creed Shield (games at Rawlings Park no.1 ground): The Riverina Anglican College v Wagga Wagga Christian College (4.30pm); Kooringal High School v Mount Austin High School (6pm); Mater Dei Catholic College v Kildare Catholic College (7.30pm).
Shipard Shield (games at Rawlings Park no.6 ground): The Riverina Anglican College v Kildare Catholic College (4.30pm); Mount Austin High School v Wagga Wagga Christian College (6pm); Mater Dei Catholic College v Wagga Wagga High School (7pm).
READ MORE
