But it has taken a fair bit more than that for the Hawks junior to earn a spot on the team, made up of some of the top multicultural talent from across Australia, which is set to play two matches on the Gold Coast next week.

The World Team will take on the Flying Boomerangs – which features some of the top indigenous players – at Metricon Stadium on Tuesday, before heading to Broadbeach Oval on Friday, with leadership and development activities in between.

Gattek, who turns 15 next Tuesday, was one of three Warrnambool youngsters to make the initial squads alongside Emmanuel Ajang and Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, but was the only one to make the final cut.

“They had to choose multicultural people from around Australia and I was lucky enough to get into it,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to it … first of all, to represent the Warrnambool region and just to be lucky enough to get into the team of 25.”

Gattek has played forward and midfield, but feels his best work comes playing in the forward pocket and crumbing goals.

He said he has gotten to know a lot of his World Team teammates fairly well, and is looking forward to what they produce on the field.

“I reckon we’re all quick, tall and strong,” he said.

Gattek, who has made the schoolboys’ state team the past three years, thanked all those who have supported him in his football.