A SWITCH back to his comfort zone in the forward line was all Ricardo Liparota needed to shine.
The 17-year-old kicked five goals for Robinvale Euston and was influential in their late, but ultimately unsuccessful, comeback against Imperials last weekend.
It was his break-out performance at SFNL senior level, earning him the nod as the round 4 Mildura and District Real Estate Rising Star.
Liparota has been able to split the big sticks all the way through juniors. He kicked 29 goals in 15 games at under-18 level in 2019, and 24 in 11 the previous season in under-16s. He also kicked 66 goals in 15 games at under-14 level in 2017 and a combined 78 goals in 28 matches across under-13 and 14 grades in 2016.
“It’s been pretty good. Of course it’s a lot different to under-16s and under-18s, much faster and bigger bodies to go against,” he said.
“I’d been playing defence for the first three games but ‘Richo’ (coach Andrew Richardson) decided to change the set-up. I’ve always played forward in juniors so it was a bit more comfortable for me and it was nice to hit the scoreboard.
“We were pretty undermanned in the backline and I think the coaches could see that I could be accountable in defence. They decided to change things up and it probably worked in my favour.
“It was probably just the first quarter we didn’t show up for. We played pretty well for the rest of the game, but unfortunately we couldn’t catch them.”
Robinvale Euston have been plagued with injuries so far this season, however that has opened the door for a number of youngsters – like Liparota – to have an opportunity in the senior line-up.
“It’s a bit hard when you’ve got recruits going down with season-ending injuries, but that’s also given a few of younger guys more of an opportunity.” he said.
“Everyone is still up and about. I think the performance on the weekend has got us excited and we feel if we can play like we did in those last three quarters we can get a few more wins on the board.”
Liparota said Richardson had been a big believer in him from a young age.
“I first met him when I was playing at under-14 level and he’s been a big supporter of mine,” he said.
“He’s pushed me, trained me and believed in me from early on, he’s a great role model.
“Like everyone at my age, I want to try and make it to the next level. I want to play as many senior games for Robinvale Euston as possible but, being my draft year, if there is a chance to play at the next level I’d love to take it.
“I want to hopefully kick more goals for the Eagles and get some more wins under the belt.”
As the round 4 Mildura and District Real Estate Rising Star, Liparota receives $50 courtesy of Mildura and District Real Estate, 91 Commercial Street, Merbein, and is in the running to be the Mildura and District Real Estate Rising Star of the Year
