Harari’s huge weekend

Homegrown lacrosse star and Victorian co-captain Liam Harari has helped his state claim the Australian Lacrosse Association U18 Boy’s National Championship in Glenelg, South Australia over the Easter long weekend.

Harari starred on the big stage, starting the tournament with an MVP performance, before continuing that form, which led to him being named Championship MVP and an All Star.

“I think being captain helped me as it allowed me to only worry about the team and not focus on my own performance,” Harari told The AJN.

“I wasn’t expecting it at all [Championship MVP]. There are some star players on that trophy so it is pretty cool to have my name alongside them.”

The Boys went through undefeated and beat Western Australia in the final 19-7. Their dominance throughout the competition drew high praise from opposition coaches, who summed up the Vics’ effort “like boys playing men”.

Harari, a Caulfield Lacrosse Club product, has inherited the nickname “The Ferrari”, coined by his teammates for his speed and power coming off a wing.

Victoria’s tournament began with an ominous 22-8 win over host team South Australia. Harari was named MVP for his two-goal and two-assist performance. He followed up with two more goals in the Vics’ 12-8 victory over WA and scored his fifth goal of the tournament in the final.

The gifted 17-year-old has his sights set on breaking into the Australian U19 team for the 2020 World Cup in Ireland. Trials for the senior Vic and Aus U19 teams will be held later in the year.

AARON FETTER