Burning hot

JESSE Burns loves the Collingwood Football Club and admires Magpie Dayne Beams’ flair with the Sherrin.
Young Jesse could well find himself in an AFL jumper some day, given his outstanding performance on the football field this year.
The Leongatha Junior Football Club player last week achieved the remarkable feat of not only winning the league’s Under 10s best and fairest trophy, but also earning the league’s leading goal kicking title – an amazing achievement for a footballer who plays centre.
Jesse booted 29 goals for the home and away season – two ahead of his nearest rival.
Despite being a star of the Central Gippsland Junior Football League, the youngster was modest about wielding two trophies nearly as big as himself.
“I was happy,” the Leongatha boy said.
“I like playing rover and running everywhere, and kicking goals. I’ve got friends here and I like the ground at Leongatha.”
The son of Kristie and Adrian Burns knew he had received a few votes and would win the goal kicking gong at the presentation night at the Morwell Football Club.
But to secure 33 votes from the umpires – five ahead of the runner-up’s tally of 28 – was a surprise to Jesse, but not so much his mum.
“He does not stop at home. He’s in the backyard, practising and practising,” she said.
Jesse’s coach Chad Weaver said Jesse is a standout player.
“He’s a talented footballer and skillful, and listens well and trains hard,” Weaver said.
“He certainly has a future in the game.”
Club president Darryl McGannon said the club community congratulated Jesse.
“He’s a fantastic little player and he has very good skills. It’s the first time one of our Under 10 players has won the best and fairest award for the league,” he said.
Jesse’s success comes in just his second year in Under 10s and after two years learning footy skills through Auskick.

Hefty haul: Leongatha Junior Football Club player Jesse Burns with his trophies: the Energy Australia Central Gippsland Junior Football League best and fairest award, and goal kicking award.

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Posted by Sarah Vella on Aug 26 2014. Filed under Sport. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry