Christian Carnovale’s breakout 2016 season for the Rovers has continued, named captain of the VAFA U19 representative side who played AFL Victoria Country.
It’s a huge achievement for the youngster but thoroughly deserved. Despite his age, Carnovale is a renowned leader both on and off the field, and as such was announced in the senior leadership group as an 18-year-old earlier this year.
The talented 19-year-old received a Grill’d VAFA Rising Star nomination in Round 5 following his standout performance against Monash Blues and has been named in the Rovers’ best on nine occasions in 2016, including a hat-trick of best-on-ground performances in his past three games against Old Brighton, the Blues and Fitzroy.
Christian first played for the Hampton Rovers in 2008, playing 55 junior games, before moving up to the U19s in 2013. He made his senior debut in 2014 and featured in the premiership that year. This is his first full year for the club at senior level after finishing school last year.
Carny is best described as a beast in the midfield who attacks the ball and lays a strong tackle.
The VAFA Under 19 representative side took on AFL Victoria Country on Sunday and while they were defeated by 44 points to a quality country outfit, put in a solid performance. The Big V were led courageously throughout the day as captain, Christian Carnovale, often found himself at the coalface and consistently won the contested ball. He was named second in the best players for the VAFA.
The final U19 Big V side was announced at a presentation dinner at Sportscover Arena on Thursday night. The playing group were presented with their Big V jumpers in the post-training ceremony, with VAFA Board members, George Voyage and Anthony Amad, speaking to the selected 22 about the history and honour accompanying the Big V jumper.
U19 Big V leadership group joined by coach @GatorGately VAFA Board members George Voyage, Nigel Credlin & @vafaceo pic.twitter.com/GA89TU2BUB
— VAFA (@VAFA_HQ) July 7, 2016
