YJFL Stars Named in 2024 U18 Boys All Australian Team

Congratulations to former YJFL Juniors Jagga Smith (Richmond JFC) and Tom Gross (Hawthorn Citz & Kew Rovers) who have been selected for the 2024 Under 18 Boy’s All Australian team after competing at this year’s National Championships. The pair had an excellent carnival along with the 6 other YJFL graduates in the Vic Metro Squad in Gabriel Stumpf – Warrandyte JFC, Lucas Tovey (Park Orchards JFC), Josh Smillie (Park Orchards JFC), Zak Johnston (St. Mary’s JFC), Louis Emmett (Glen Iris JFC) and Jesse Dattoli (Ivanhoe JFC).

Jagga Smith is a lively and creative midfielder who did not jeopardise his chances of being drafted late in the game as he showed a great ability to step through congestion with composure. He averaged 29.2 disposals (13.8 contested) at an efficiency of 82% with 6.8 clearances. As well as being an influential part of the Championship winning team, he also finished third in the Larke Medal and was honoured by being named captain of the All-Australian team.

Tom Gross, a medium mid/forward, had a competitive edge with explosive speed out of stoppage and in the game. He has the ability to play a flashy winger or do the heavy lifting to get it done on the inside too. He was particularly excellent on the wing against South Australia and was one of the most consistent players for Victoria Metro, wherever he played during the carnival, averaging 20 disposals, 3.5 tackles and three clearances per game.

Keep an eye on YJFL social media over the coming weeks as video interviews with some of our YJFL Vic Metro stars will be published.