Sport
Shepparton teen Riley Onley to represent Victoria Country at the under-16 National Championships
AFL midfielders Patrick Cripps, Marcus Bontempelli and Nat Fyfe have dominated the elite game in recent years thanks to their towering height and classy skills.
Carlton captain Cripps, is 195cm tall and could easily be found in a key position role in defence or forward, while Bontempelli moves gracefully for the Western Bulldogs’ on-ball brigade despite his 192cm frame.
And a 195cm talent from the Goulburn Valley region is hoping to one day join the ranks alongside them.
Shepparton United junior Riley Onley is on the path to reaching that elite level following his selection for Victoria Country in the upcoming under-16 national championships which begin on Saturday.
The 16-year-old has caught the eye of recruiters and talent pathway selectors this year, not due to his height, but for his football ability.
Onley, quietly spoken like most teenagers, has impressed so much that Vic Country mentor David Loader has entrusted him with the co-captaincy.
Along with his imposing 6’4’’ frame, Onley is blessed with eye-catching pace and speed, smart footy nous, strong aerial work and the ability to hit the scoreboard — which gives him the makings to one day reach the pinnacle of his favourite sport.
So it is little wonder that he rates Cripps, Bontempelli and the like as some of his favourite heroes to watch — even if he is a rusted on Hawthorn supporter.
But go back six months ago and it wasn’t always the case.
“Patrick Cripps, the Bont (Bontempelli), they’re taller midfielders who I like watching, Clarry (Oliver), Petracca ... I like Charlie Curnow because we are similar-sized players,” Onley said.
“I was on the back-flank (last year), but then in the intraclub at the Bushies I was forward and back, but they put me in the middle and I’ve stayed there ever since.”
His switch from defence to the centre square comes off the back of a whirlwind 2023 for the young gun.
Onley was picked for the Murray Bushrangers in the under-16 program and the decision to throw him on the ball has paid dividends with his progression.
Onley reflected on how sudden his rise had been, from making the Bushrangers’ program to preparing to run out in the famed white Big V guernsey.
“I remember last year saying to Dad, ‘how cool would it be to make 16s Bushies?’ And then I made it which was pretty cool,” he said.
“It’s a shock to be in it (Country). It was a dream at the start of the year, so it’s unreal how quick it’s come around.”
His quick ascension in the pathway ranks has coincided with a spectacular growth spurt since Christmas.
“I think I’ve grown six or seven centimetres since the end of last year,” the teenager said with a touch of disbelief still in his voice.
In a Bushies’ practice game at Rumbalara’s Mercury Drive in April Onley showcased his poise and speed at ground level.
He featured twice in the shortened under-16 development program season, despite nursing a torn meniscus capsule in his knee.
Luckily, the injury was managed and Onley played through the pain.
Ahead of Saturday’s clash at Sandringham’s Trevor Barker Oval, the fit-and-firing determined junior is trying to keep a level head even with the co-captaincy role.
“I don’t really speak much at training, so I was pretty shocked when I found out I was captain,” Onley said.
“I’ve never really been a captain of any team. (David and the coaches) said well done and told me to embrace it and enjoy it.
“(I’m feeling) a bit nervous, usually I just go out there and play ... I’ll try my hardest and give it everything and see what happens.”
When the national champs come to a close, Onley will turn his focus back to earning two major career milestones.
He wants to secure a debut in the Coates Talent League with the Bushrangers and to follow in his father’s footsteps and play senior footy with United.
His love for basketball, however, will take a back seat.
Although older sister Hannah shifted to Mooroopna, Onley has remained a Demon and hopes to one day this season get the call from senior coach Duane Hueston.
“Hopefully, it would be pretty cool to play seniors for United,” he said.
“Hopefully I get to play some 18s Bushies as well later in the year, but if not hopefully more United games.”
Onley paid thanks to those who have played a role in his development and rise through the ranks.
“Thanks to Mum and Dad for everything they do with driving me around to footy,” he said.
“My Dad is one of the big idols ... I’m always out working on my skills with him and he’s taught me everything I know.
“My coaches, Rum, (Ramadan Yze) Daryl (Chalcraft), Josh Pearce, they gave me so many opportunities and obviously United for everything they’ve done. Bushies gave me the opportunity to play on the ball and it’s helped showcase my strengths and that’s where I’m playing now.”