Cricket
7 December, 2025
Hopper selected into Western Waves, Footscray teams
Phoenix Hopper is preparing for a big couple of months of cricket after earning selection into the Western Waves under 16 squad and Footscray Cricket Club’s under 16 teams.
Having made last year’s Western Waves team, Hopper returns as one of the team’s leaders when they commence the Cricket Victoria Country Cup on Sunday, December 7, before playing four games across December 15-18.
Following the Country Cup, Hopper will represent Footscray in the Victorian Premier Cricket Dowling Shield, an annual competition in January that features some of the best under 16 players in the state.
An allrounder who bowls right-arm off spin, Hopper is keen to build on his experience with the Western Waves last year.
“It's a good honour to be selected for the Waves,” Hopper said.
“It was a good experience last year going down with a bunch of Horsham boys.
“This year it's a bit different with no other Horsham boys, but it's a good experience going back as a top ager now.
“I’m one of the leaders in the team, having been there before and it will be a good opportunity to showcase some talent.”
Hopper’s selection in the 14-player Footscray Dowling Shield squad is impressive considering the long trial process and the countless trips to Melbourne.
“Getting into the premier cricket ranks with Footscray is a good opportunity,” Hopper said.
“It’s been a big preseason, heading down there most weeks since April.
“The process started in April with 80 kids.
“There were eight sessions and they cut it down to 40 and then to 30, and they picked the training squad of 24.
“I was lucky enough to get through there and be in the squad of 14 for the tournament.
“It's been a big commitment, but, it's been worth it.”
Hopper transitioned into Horsham Cricket Association’s A grade competition for the 2024-25 season, and has made valuable contributions for the Noradjuha Toolondo Bullants early in the 2025-26 season.
The youngster said his time training with Footscray has helped evolve his game.
“Footscray’s a really good club with a good group of people,” Hopper said.
“They've been welcoming enough to let me come train with the seniors most Tuesday nights.
“The training is really good with high standards to improve yourself each session.
Assisting Hopper in the process has been the opportunity to train with fellow Horsham cricketer and friend Dezi Carter, who made the move to Footscray for 2025-26 from the HCA.
Carter is already making a name for himself in the Victorian Premier Cricket ranks, hitting 104 not out in his under 18 debut for Footscray, and just debuted for the second grade side after impressive performances for third grade.
“I'm close with Dezi; we train a fair bit together,” Hopper said.
“We did a lot of work in the preseason together and it's pretty special to be down at Footscray together, both of us.
“He’s making his way up, so hopefully in the coming years we can play some senior cricket down there together.”
Hopper said he hopes he can perform in the Dowling Shield, with aspirations to move up the ranks with the club.
“I want to show what I’m capable of,” Hopper said.
“The end goal out of this is to get a premier cricket spot on a list, hopefully with Footscray, and maybe crack into a Victoria Country team, that would be pretty good.”
This Sunday's Western Waves game will take place in Warrion, with the remaining games being held in Hamilton.
The Dowling Shield games will take place across numerous locations in Melbourne.