Jaguars on the Rise: Junior talent shines as McGrath goes global

FROM Wagga to Indonesia, it’s been a dream year for the Junee Jaguars, and the momentum just keeps building.

Hot on the heels of back-to-back grand final wins for the club’s senior men’s teams, a wave of junior Jaguars have earned representative honours, while one of Junee’s finest is donning the green and gold on the international stage.

In a major boost for the club’s junior ranks, eight players from the Jaguars’ Under 13s and 14s have progressed through the latest Wagga City Wanderers selection trials.

Under 13s | Coach: Carl Baldry (Back) Irene Walsh, Stanley Craig, Sheeva Howarth, Edward Galvin, Nathaniel Blackmore – de Bear, Oliver Lewis, Henry Martin; (front) Hudson McAlister, Jontie Nixon, Isabella Bampton, George Baldry, Jarred Clemson, Isaac Craig, Lillie Nixon | Photo: Supplied

The young talents trialled for both the Skills Acquisition Program (SAP) and the National Premier Leagues (NPL) — two of the region’s most competitive youth pathways — with all eight invited to the final, invitation-only round.

Among the standouts, Frankie Ashley earned selection in the Under 14s NPL squad, marking a significant milestone in his football journey.

Meanwhile, Kevin Bjorklund, Henry Martin and George Baldry were named in the SAP program, highlighting the strength coming through the club’s Under 13s and Under 14s line-ups.

Under 14s | Coaches: Abby Duncan, Hudson Muramo (Back) Tilly Hanlon, Milla Lewis, Timothy Holloway, Dylan Ballard, Trey Riley, Kevin Bjorklund, Oliver Lewis, Henry Martin; (front) Logan Allen, Frankie Ashley, Stanley Craig, George Baldry, Jarred Clemson | Photo: Supplied

Coach Carl Baldry, who leads the U13s side, said the club was thrilled.

“We’re incredibly proud of every player who stepped up to trial this year,” he said.

“We’re looking forward to watching the progress of each child over the season.”

The 2025 trials also marked a turning point for the club’s female talent, with three girls representing Junee for the first time in several years.

“We’ve been working hard to build a strong club culture for our juniors,” Baldry added.

“It’s wonderful to see that environment inspiring these young players — especially our emerging female footballers.”

MCGRATH GOES GLOBAL — AGAIN

At the elite level, Junee Jaguars’ club president William McGrath is once again doing Junee proud, this time on the international stage.

The senior Jaguar is currently in Indonesia, representing the CommBank Pararoos at the 2025 IFCPF Asian-Oceania Cup.

The tournament is being held in Surakarta City from 12–23 November, with matches played at UNS Stadium and Sriwedari Stadium.

Commbank Pararoos pictured at Sydney International Airport before flying out of Australia on November 11, 2025 | Photo: Supplied

Australia opened its campaign on Sunday, November 16, going down 2–1 to host nation Indonesia in their first-ever clash.

The Pararoos will now regroup for their next pool match against Japan on Tuesday.

It’s McGrath’s second international tournament, following his appearance at last year’s IFCPF World Cup in Spain.

Junee Jaguars’ club president and CommBank Pararoos player, William McGrath

Pararoos coach Kai Lammert said the squad was hungry to prove itself.

“It’s been a year since the World Cup, and the players and staff have been counting down the days to represent Australia again,” he said.

“This squad has a great balance — we’re young, but we’ve got a core group who know what it takes at this level.

“Our goal is to reach the final, which guarantees a place at next year’s World Cup, and if we bring the belief we’ve shown in past camps, we’ll give ourselves every chance.”

A BREAKTHROUGH YEAR FOR JUNEE

This latest wave of success follows the Jaguars’ history-making grand final double in Wagga in September.

The 3rd Grade men’s team broke a nine-year premiership drought with a 3–1 win over Henwood Park, led by a hat-trick from Junior Hou to claim the Blake Trophy.

The Junee Jaguars men’s 3rd grade side pictured with the 2025 Blake Trophy after defeating Henwood Park | Photo: Football Wagga

Junee Jaguars 4th Grade Yellow 2025 | Photo: Supplied

Two hours later, Jaguars Blue defeated Jaguars Yellow in an all-Junee 4th Grade showdown, also winning 3–1 to take out the Navinkell Cup.

From junior reps and international caps to senior glory under lights, 2025 has been a banner year for the club. And with rising stars across every level, the best may still be to come.