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Grace’s swell time at titles

Brebner, who serves as the club’s Academy under-20s coach, said the pathway would help to transform the way players in Australia are developed.

“This will be a gamechanger,” Brebner said.

“These programs will give ve young players an insight into how we work, exposure to excellent coaching and will make a big difference to their development.

“It’s an exciting time and based on the quality we are seeing I can’t wait to work with these players in the near future.”

Melbourne Victory will GEELONG surfer Grace Tournier claimed a Wathaurong Encouragement surfboard in the under-10 girls division at The Woorrangalook Victorian Koori Surf Titles over the weekend.

More than 100 indigenous surfers from across the state gathered to celebrate the 21st annual event at Urquhart Bluff on the Great Ocean Road, which brings together indigenous communities in a fun weekend celebrating surfing and indigenous culture.

The event was opened on Saturday by Wauthaurong Elder Corrina Eccles and cleansed with a traditional smoking and mixing of the waters ceremony.

Early rain showers didn’t dampen the spirits with surfers taking to the water in learn to surf water safely sessions.

In the afternoon, competition began with all junior divisions finalised, along with Open Women and Masters Women.

Sissy Howelle (Geelong) and Olly Hickey (Winchelsea) were presented with the Department of Justice Good Sport Awards.

Sunday brought a clean swell, light winds and sunny skies. After qualifying rounds on the previous rounds, both the Open and Masters Men’s finals were contested.

Utilising powerful forehand carves, Red Hill‘s Rhys Collins claimed both divisions, gaining a wildcard into the Rip Curl Pro Trials at Bells Beach from his performance in the Open Mens division.