Pinjarra Tigers youngster David Yaccob continued his rise toward the AFL Draft after being named Western Australia’s Most Valuable Player in a premiership-winning campaign for the state at the NAB AFL National 16s Championships over the weekend.
The Black Swans took out top spot in the tournament after dominating Vic Country 5.7 (37) to 13.13 (91) at the Gabba in Brisbane last Friday, capping off a three-game carnival that saw Yaccob star for the side.
The Pinjarra player and Peel Thunder development squad member was outstanding across WA’s three outings, earning a spot in the state’s best in the first two games before helping them seal their win in game three.
It was pretty unexpected, but it’s awesome
- David Yaccob on being named WA's MVP
Yaccob eased his way into the first game (a three-point loss to South Australia), with a blistering finish catching the coaches’ eyes.
But it was the second game – in which he captained the side – that the winger truly stepped into the spotlight with a best-on-ground performance buoying WA to a 72-point win over Vic Metro.
“I definitely feel like that was my best game,” he said.
“Playing as captain was a bit of an experience and I just wanted to enjoy it and play well, but it was pretty surreal being best on ground in a big win like that.”
All together his performances earned him the nod from his coaches as the side’s best player across the three games, a feeling the Pinjarra junior says he can’t compare with any other in his footballing life so far.
“It was pretty unexpected, but it’s awesome,” he said.
“I thought I played pretty well but to be chosen by the coaches as the best in our side, when you play with so many other good players, is something special.
“It definitely stands out from any other experience I’ve had.”
Yaccob started his days at Pinjarra’s junior club in his year seven season, and currently plays for their colts as he tries to crack into a league side pushing for a premiership.
Ultimately, his eyes are fixed firmly on the 2020 AFL Draft, but the 16-year-old has two more years where he can try out for the state under 18s team.
In the meantime, he’ll ply his trade with Pinjarra and Peel Thunder, two clubs he credits for how far he’s come since joining them.
“[Pinjarra league coach] Troy Vidovich has showed me most of what I know in footy so far, and having experienced AFL and WAFL guys at Pinjarra helps a lot,” he said.
“I like to get down to training and just soak up what I can.
“Peel are great too, they’ve got great systems in place so I know if I stick to what they’re teaching us I can go far.”
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
