UPDATE: In a dramatic shift, 19-year-old Jez Rigoni has embraced football, leaving his cricket aspirations behind. The talented teenager is set to take the field in the grand final qualifier against Myrtleford on Saturday at Wangaratta Showgrounds, where he will be one of the youngest players competing.
Rigoni’s commitment to football has surged over the past two years. “Jez has really doubled down on footy the last two years and has grown a lot in a short period of time,” said Sam Murray, the Rovers’ coach. This season, Rigoni has showcased his skills in the VFL, playing a pivotal role for the team.
Previously, Rigoni spent his final three school years at Caulfield Grammar, where cricket dominated his focus. However, he decided to refocus on football. “I was loving it in year 11, but then in year 12 I was trying to focus on my footy more,” Rigoni explained. His passion for cricket waned as he balanced academics, football, and cricket, ultimately leading him to bypass selection for Victoria’s under-19 squad last summer.
Rigoni’s cricket journey included playing alongside notable talents such as Ollie Pope and Sam Konstas in the under-19 team that triumphed in the 2024 World Cup in South Africa. Despite his cricket background, Rigoni expressed a clear preference for football. “I might come back to cricket at a later time… The footy clubs I’ve played at have always had a great culture and that’s probably won me over,” he said.
This season, Rigoni has split his time between multiple clubs, including Sandringham (10 games), Rovers (6 games), and Oakleigh (3 games), showcasing his versatility by playing various positions such as half-back, wing, and half-forward. “I’ve played a lot of different positions… I started on a wing at Rovers, but have played off half-back towards the end of the season,” he noted.
As reigning premiers, the Wangaratta Rovers are favored to win against Myrtleford, especially with a projected 21-degree day expected to draw a large crowd. Fans are eagerly anticipating a thrilling match that promises to highlight Rigoni’s rapid ascent in football, marking a pivotal moment in his athletic career.
Stay tuned for more updates as the grand final qualifier unfolds this Saturday!
