THE School Sports Australia 12-and-Under Football National Championships in Adelaide has a local flavour with Cavendish young blood, Taima Thomas, taking his place in the Victorian team after gaining selection back in June.

Thomas was presented with his guernsey in Melbourne recently in preparation for the carnival by current Melbourne Demons player, Jack Viney.

“It was pretty cool to be presented with it by Jack Viney,” Thomas said.

“I’m very excited about the carnival and cannot wait to get to Adelaide to start playing.”

Thomas will play mainly on the wing, where his speed of foot and deep kicking will give the team plenty of drive forward, while he also will get time at centre half-forward too.

His coach was effusive about Taima at the presentation, as he spoke of what the youngster will bring to the team.

“When we speak ‘X-factor’ this boy has it in spades,” Victorian 12-and-Under coach, Leigh McQuillen said.

“Taima provides the team with a huge work ethic and the ability to break the line whether on the wing or up forward.

“He has great depth by foot and thrives in the contest as he’s used to playing against bigger bodies.”