Football
31 May, 2025
Young gun Whelan poised to continue football rise
Fifteen-year-old Chase Whelan is emerging as a rising football star on the back of a nine-goal performance for Laharum’s senior football side.
The Horsham College schoolboy has made an impressive step up from under 14s last year, playing for both Laharum’s under 17s and seniors football side in the Horsham District Football Netball League.
Footage of Whelan’s weekend performance in the seniors has been trending across social media, raising the youngster’s profile.
Whelan is excited by the coverage of the performance.
“It's pretty cool, I’ve enjoyed it,” Whelan said.
“It's been interesting seeing how quickly it can spiral in just a few days.”
The 15-year-old’s fantastic performance caps off a big couple of weeks.
Whelan competed for the Horsham District Football Netball League’s under 17 side in the South West District Football Netball League Junior Carnival in Portland on May 18 before earning selection for the Victorian Schools Sports under 15s boys football side to compete in the School Sport Australia Championships in Queensland in July and August.
Whelan is keen to play among some of the best junior footballers in the nation.
“It's great to be able to have the opportunity to go up to Queensland,” he said.
Whelan‘s connection to Laharum stems from both his father and grandfather playing for the club.
The youngster has kicked 23 goals in just five games for the senior team, with his athleticism and kicking ability already distinguishing him at the senior level.
Speaking on his seamless progression into both the under 17s and seniors sides, Whelan gave praise to his teammates.
“I’m pretty lucky that I have good teammates around me in both 17s and seniors,” Whelan said.
“They really help me and encourage me as a footballer; they are really supportive.”
Laharum senior football coach Robbie Miller has spoken highly of Whelan.
“Chase is beyond his years, age-wise, and he’s a genuine young kid who just loves his football,” Miller said.
“He’s got extraordinary football talents.”
Whelan aims to continue progressing, with hopes to play in the Coates Talent League, an elite football talent pathway competition.
“Have the V/Line Cup coming up later this year, and in the next couple of years, hopefully play in the Coates Talent League,” he said of his goals.
The 15-year-old has aspirations for the AFL but is measured about what the future holds for him.
“The AFL would be great, but if it doesn't happen it's really not the end of the world for me,” Whelan said.
“Football is not the biggest thing in the world.
"There's always other stuff.”