SAM Cumming’s outstanding debut SFNL senior season has won him Sunraysia Daily’s Rising Star of the Year award.
The 15-year-old Wentworth ace has beaten a hot field of young guns, including Jack O’Shannessy (Ouyen United), Pala Kuma (Robinvale Euston) and Taj Stevens (South Mildura), to snare the $500 prize, courtesy of Mildura & District Real Estate.
Cumming consistently delivered high-quality performances in the second-placed Roos’ 12-4 run to the finals.
He was part of the team that beat Irymple in last Saturday’s first semi-final, ensuring the Roos advanced to the grand final at Mildura Sporting Precinct (MSP) on Saturday, September 10.
Cumming this week reflected on his rapid rise in the Sunraysia football senior ranks.
“It’s been great. It seems like a long journey after starting pre-season back in November last year,” he said.
“Back then, I didn’t think I was going to play seniors this season. But I was given the opportunity and have made the most of it, I guess.
“Training with the older guys and their higher intensity has really helped me.”
As for his standout moments this season, he said: “That first game (in round 1 against Mildura) and kicking my first goal was a big highlight.
“And getting named among the best players a few times, I was really proud of that.
“Winning this Rising Star award is also a massive accomplishment for myself.”
Cumming comes out of Roo playing royalty, with dad “Aussie” and mum Kyra both life members of the Wentworth District Football Netball Club.
Premiership-winning Aussie played a club-record 356 games for the Roos before his retirement in 2014, and Kyra was a long-time netball leader for the club.
Sam reflected on his toughest game of the season to date, coming in round 9 away to Robinvale Euston.
“There was a really big build-up to the game so we knew it was going to be like finals footy,” he said.
“The pressure was pretty hot that day and it was probably the toughest game of the season. Last weekend’s final (against Irymple) had similar pressure, too.”
He said he did not have any preference on who his Roos team meets in the grand final out of Irymple or Ouyen United, who clash on Saturday in the preliminary final at George Gordon Oval.
“They’re both great sides and I’m just looking forward to playing in the grand final,” Cumming said.
“(MSP’s main playing surface) is one of the best ovals I’ve ever played on.”
He’s not alone in that assessment, but his father will be pleased to hear it given he’s the head curator of the premier oval.
