THOMAS is a name synonymous with football in the Western District with Bob, Clinton, Jason and Brad all champion players, coaches and administrators and now you can add another to the list, Taima.

Taima Thomas is Brad’s son, and the youngster has been recognised as one of the best 12-year-old footballers in Victoria, selected in the 12-and-Under Victorian state team.

Having played all his football at the Cavendish Football netball Club where he currently plays in the Under-14 team, Taima went through a rigorous selection process over the past six weeks which saw 700 players from across Victoria whittled down to the final 42 on Thursday for a trial game at Trevor Barker Oval in Melbourne.

Trials were held both during the week and on Sundays and it meant some long drives for the family to ensure the youngster had every opportunity to put his talent before the selectors.

With all participants having to wait for the team announcement it was a tense 24-hour period for the young player, but at 5pm om Friday afternoon all the prayers were answered as his name was read aloud.

The family plans have now been adjusted for August, as they will now be heading to Adelaide for the national championsips to watch Taima showcase his undoubted talent.

“We didn’t expect that he would get this far (in the selection process), but we are so pleased for him”, Brad Thomas said.

“When we were standing on the sidelines watching all the kids, I just had a look around me at the parents and there was Anthony Koutoufides and another couple of ex-AFL players there watching their sons too.”

Having so many extended family members involved in the sport, Taima grew up in the changerooms.

Taima said football had been a big part of his life.

“I’ve had a football in my hands ever since I can remember,” he said.

With the dreaded COVID stopping this team being selected for the last couple of years, the Hamilton North Primary School Grade 5 student has had to content himself with an interrupted last two seasons which has seen him involved with firstly Under-11 and then Under-14 football teams.

Currently playing in the midfield for Cavendish or at centre half-forward, he has trialled mainly on the wing, and it is here that he won his spot in the team.

His selection is the first representative team Taima has trialled for and to be selected as one of the best in Victoria is a huge accomplishment.

His dream is to play AFL with the Western Bulldogs, but of course should he get that far, he will be happy to play anywhere but until then he will continue to play for his beloved Bloods.