Jack, 16, was named in a 16-strong team for the School Sport Australia national championships in August.

The half-back also represented Victoria at under 15 level last year in Darwin and was an emergency for the under 18 championships in Canberra in April.

He was among 80 players who tried out for the under 16 team.

“It is pretty good (to make it),” he said. “Not many country people trialled. 

“There are only four different people to the under 15 team from last year.

“We’ll go pretty well this year. It looks like a strong team.

“Our mids and backs are pretty good.”

Jack started playing hockey six years ago at Warrnambool and District Hockey Association, where he still plays twice a week.

He plays under 16 pennant for Ballarat-based club West Vic in Melbourne on Friday nights before playing juniors and seniors at Warrnambool every Saturday.

The Warrnambool College student said the travel factor wasn’t an issue as he loved the sport.

“(I like the) fast movement of the game. There’s always good running in it,” Jack said.

“It keeps you active.”

Jack will train in Melbourne throughout July ahead of the Adelaide-based August championships.

Meanwhile, four Warr-nambool players have received veterans state selection. 

Therese Burke, Kyme Rowe and Anna Dyson will represent Victoria at over 40 level and Jackie Anderton was chosen for the over 50 team.