Former Laharum footballer Chase Whelan’s ascension through the sport’s junior ranks continued at the weekend, with the talented young gun named in Victoria Country’s under-16 National Development Championships team.

Whelan, 16, exploded on the national scene last year when he starred for the School Sport Victoria team at the under-15 national championships.

He was named joint best and fairest of the tournament, earned All-Australian selection and kicked 17 goals from five matches to lead all goal scorers.

Last year he played 10 senior Horsham District league games for Laharum, booting 40 goals and regularly named in the best players.

Whelan this year relocated to Melbourne to attend Caulfield Grammar, and now plays for the Sandringham Dragons in the Talent League under-16 competition. 

The under-16 National Development Championships will start on Monday, before then playing South Australia on July 14 and Western Australia on July 17.

Horsham Demons’ Archie Elliott, a Greater Western Victoria Rebel, also earned selection in the Victoria Country Under 18 team, who will play its first match of the AFL National Championships on June 14, against the Allies. They will then play against Western Australia at Marvel Stadium on July 3, followed by matches against South Australia on July 8 and Vic Metro on July 19.

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