Coates League defender Riley Hilliard made his senior debut for Beaconsfield on Saturday.
With Dandenong Stingrays having a bye, the gritty halfback took the opportunity to play local footy, and impressed coach Mick Fogarty, who named him among the team’s best players in its loss to table-topping South Belgrave.
His intent against a South Belgrave side loaded with seasoned senior players and willingness to take a big grab in the backline was particularly noteworthy.
“He was outstanding for a 17-year-old playing his first senior game,” Fogarty said.
“We had confidence knowing he would hold his own against a strong opposition.
“Riley has been on our radar for a couple of years so when he became available from Stingrays, it was a no-brainer to pick him.
“His awareness as a defender and balance between defending and attacking is impressive.
“He’ll be a very good player, Riley.
“In match sim you could see his ability to read the game well and he has confidence in his ability and he’s not overawed so we gave him a go.”
Hilliard was made to work for a berth in the ‘Rays lineup this year, playing the first three games of the season for the Eagles under-19s and kicking eight goals, before breaking through.
Across eight Coates League appearances this year, Hilliard has averaged 14 disposals.
Beaconsfield lost its clash with South Belgrave by 25 points, but Hilliard was part of a backline which kept South Belgrave to its lowest score of the season, with the visitors having exceeded 90 in every other game this year.
