Reed van Huisstede has only ever played for Newcastle City, making Saturday’s achievements even more special for the 17-year-old.
Six years after starting out with the Blues, van Huisstede received the McBain Medal for best on ground in the 2018 Black Diamond Cup grand final.
“I’m a City junior and I’ve never won a premiership with them before,” he said.
“That was amazing. It’s crazy. Really, really special.”
Van Huisstede, a NSW-ACT under-17 representative, was outstanding for City in the club’s 22-point victory over defending champions and minor premiers Terrigal-Avoca at No.1 Sportsground.
“I was pretty buggered, but I knew I wanted to put in for the boys and wanted to bring that cup back,” he said.
“We did it and it’s so exciting.”
Blues coach Tim Cotter was full of praise for the talented teenager, who was particularly impressive in the air with his marking.
“For his height, his marking ability, his tank and how fast he can run – he’s a very hard match up,” Cotter said.
“He just took mark after mark after mark and on the wing he’s just up and down, up and down, up and down. We’re really pleased with his efforts.”
Van Huisstede kicked a goal from 50 on the brink of three-quarter time to extend the lead to 29 points.
City defender Luke Rawnsley and forward Cade Triffit also performed well for the hosts on Saturday along with Conor Haswell and Aidan Watling.
Kurt Fleming, James Webster, Sam Ellis, Corbin Bond scored mentions for Terrigal.
