Mulrooney said Lytton High student Rubi was an attack-minded player with an eye for goal and “a steely determination” to make it as far as possible in the game.
“She has been involved with the fed team for a couple of seasons and last year travelled to Australia.
“Georgia is new to the fed team but has been involved in the rep programme from a young age. She is comfortable on the ball and has very good technique for a young player.”
Mulrooney rated Campion student Brooke as one of the best young female keepers to come out of Gisborne for some years.
“She is a very good shot-stopper, a brave keeper and a mainstay of the Campion team in the local women’s league.
Isaac Baty and Tommy Peterson are in the Central 13th-grade boys’ team.
“Isaac is a striker/ wide midfield player who is getting his first taste of federation football. He is developing well as an attack-minded player.
“Tommy, like Isaac, is a quiet lad, who can play in a number of positions. He is just as comfortable in a midfield role as he is in a more defensive position.”
Four Gisborne players made the 14th-grade squad. Enzo Edge had to pull out as his family are leaving Gisborne.
“Adam ‘Snowy’ Simpson is a tiger of a player, who has really kicked on in the last season,” Mulrooney said.
“He’s at his best in a holding midfield role, where he can cover his back four, break up play and look to set the attack in motion.”
“Ben Barker is a centreback/fullback who is one of the rocks of our local rep sides. He has been involved in the fed programme for the last few seasons and is continuing the Gisborne history of developing fine centrebacks.
“Jet Koll is a left-sided attacker in the Lukas Podolski mould — very direct and strong with a powerful left foot. He can always be relied on to give 100 percent.”
Leo Crockett — who will play his football in Wellington this year — is an attack-minded midfielder with lots of skill, a great touch and a desire to take players on, Mulrooney says.
Gisborne boys named in the 15th-grade squad were goalkeepers Seth Piper and Regan Cameron and outfield players Ian Cutler and Braden Fowell.
“Seth is another player new to fed football. A staunch Spurs supporter, he is developing well. He has great organisation skills and a good all-round game.
“Regan, another fed regular, has good size for a keeper and a bright future in the game. He is known for making great one-on-one saves.
“Campion College student Ian is having his first taste of federation football. A strong left-sided attacking player, he has a real eye for goal and brings a presence to any side.”
Mulrooney said Wellington Phoenix academy player Braden Fowell was “a very strong midfielder committed to becoming a professional footballer”.
Despite living in Wellington, he still represented Gisborne at age-group level — “a big thanks to him and his family”.
“He is a huge asset to all the teams he is involved in, and continually sets high standards,” Mulrooney said.
Goalkeeper Jack Faulkner and centreback Jake Cirolli, both Gisborne Boys’ High students, feature in the Central 16th-grade boys’ team.
“Jack is an outstanding prospect who has been involved in National Talent Centre camps for a years,” Mulrooney said.
“He’s big and strong with a good all-round game. Centreback Jake is a tower of strength in the heart of the defence.
“He has worked very hard to get in the fed team over the last few seasons. He has a good skill set for a defender, he’s quick and he marshals the defence well.”
• Seven Gisborne players were involved in the national federation tournament in December — Rubi Perano (u14 girls), Ian Cutler, Seth Piper, Regan Cameron and Braden Fowell (u14 boys), and Jack Faulkner and Jake Cirolli (u16 boys). Fowell was selected for the tournament team.
They are being coached locally by Mulrooney, women’s development officer Lizzie Hall and Central Football goalkeeping coach Mark Baple.
