PREMIUM
Sport

Jerrah Caruso boots three goals to guide Swans to back-to-back NCWL Youth Girls premierships

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Top performer: Swans' Jerrah Caruso booted three goals in Sunday’s Youth Girls decider to be judged best afield. Photo by Aydin Payne

A change in scenery at the start of the year has resulted in a premiership medal being draped around Jerrah Caruso’s neck on Sunday.

And she wouldn’t change it for the world.

The Deniliquin teenager has capped a classy first-year at Shepparton Swans by helping the club claim back-to-back flags over her old outfit Moama.

Caruso played an integral role in Sunday’s Northern Country Women’s League Youth Girls decider with three goals and best-on-ground honours in the 7.6 (48) to 4.5 (29) triumph at Deakin Reserve.

The skilful midfielder-forward, who is a member of the GWS Giants Academy, said she “didn’t expect” to be judged best-on in the memorable 19-point win.

“It’s a pretty good feeling,” the 15-year-old said.

“We’ve got a good group of girls and Moama are a really good side and we were lucky to get the win.

“We had really good communication which helped us all out on the ground. I love footy, I started playing when I was five. The travel is a lot, but I wouldn’t change it.”

Caruso dazzled early on in the 2023 decider and proved the difference between the two outfits.

The Bendigo Pioneers talent was unfazed by the big stage and slammed home three goals in the first half to hand her side a crucial 22-point buffer at the main break.

Swans coach Leigh Egan spoke highly of his side’s star talent after the win.

“She’s a superstar; she did some really good things today,” Egan said.

“She actually was an Echuca-Moama player who swapped over and came to us this year. She’s in the GWS Academy and going forward she’s going to be a special player, she already is a special player.”