Jerrah Caruso had a stellar year in 2022 chasing her AFL Women’s dream.
Every step she has made in that regard has seen her improve her football skills, and put her on the radar when it came to the Edward River Council Australia Day awards.
While in good company, Jerrah came out on top when it came to selecting the recipient of the Junior Sports Award.
The award goes to a resident aged 25 years or younger who has demonstrated an outstanding record of achievement in sport or has made a significant contribution to the growth, development and/or increased participation of their sport within the Edward River region.
Jerrah started playing footy through Auskick at the age of five.
When she was 11 she graduated to the Deniliquin Rovers Football Club.
“Jerrah has played football for the Deniliquin Rovers Football and Netball Club for the past six years, making her debut alongside her brother in 2017 against Berrigan,” her nomination read.
“This year she was named co-captain in the Rovers fourths football team, leading her team to a grand final appearance which they unfortunately lost by three points in Jerrah’s final game with the team.
“During Jerrah’s time playing for Rovers she has been selected for everything she could.
“Jerrah has represented females in sport as well as her local club, school and town at regional and state level.”
This year alone Jerrah she was selected for AFL Riverina and was her team’s co-captain, AFL - NSW All Schools (Blue Birds), Nationals (GWS Academy), V-line Cup (where she was named in the best players’ list in both games and most valuable player in one game), GWS Super 24 series, Pioneers 2023 squad, GWS Academy phase one, two an three.
Jerrah returns to the academy this weekend for a training camp in Canberra.
With the academy she will participate in games in Tasmania and Queensland this year.
Jerrah has played with the Bendigo Pioneers for the last two years.
She has aged out of the Deni Rovers as the Picola and District Football League does not yet allow females to play beyond fourths.