Sport
28 May, 2026
Redback’s stick of Steel
WEDDERBURN junior hockey star Sullivan Steel is off to Melbourne for the state championships in July, and coach Steve Giorlando says the sky is the limit.
WEDDERBURN junior hockey star Sullivan Steel is off to Melbourne for the state championships in July, and coach Steve Giorlando says the sky is the limit.
“When his body catches up to where his mind is – maybe when he’s 18 – he is going to be unstoppable.”
It’s high praise from a veteran player and coach who knows a bit about young talent – Giorlando’s daughter Shelby has represented the Australian Country Under 21 team in matches in Asia for the past two years.
Having just turned 14 this month, Sullivan is already playing for the Redbacks’ senior men’s side and has held his own against teams including last year’s premiers, Calder United.
And more accolades may be coming his way – he has been invited to trial for the Hockey Victoria Academy, from which state teams are selected.
At the junior championships Sullivan will play for North West Lightning Under 14 Boys team.
Joining him as North Central representatives will be Boort’s Millie Pink (Under 12 Girls) and Charlton’s Toby Bourke, who is in the same team as Sullivan.
The Lightning brings together the best players from the North Central, Sunraysia, Goulburn Valley, Wimmera and Central Victoria hockey associations.
Two weeks ago Sullivan, a striker with Wedderburn, represented the North Central Under 14 boys at the junior country championships in Melbourne, where his team finished fourth.
He is more than ready for the state titles.
“It’s pretty exciting – it will improve my skills and my teamwork,” he said, noting that his speed is his best asset.
Millie is a goalkeeper who won the North Central junior goalkeeper of the year award last season. while Toby plays as a defender for the Navy Blues.
Read More: Wedderburn