Jacob Neal is following the footsteps of his father, Geelong legend Robert `Scratcher' Neal, and last week earned selection in the under-15 All-Australian team.
Jacob set the carnival alight on the wing just as his dad did 31 years ago when he, too, was picked in the under-17 All-Australian team after representing Tasmania.
`Scratcher' went on to play 200 games and kick 51 goals for Geelong between 1974-86 before spending two seasons with St Kilda.
Neal, one of four Falcons was a standout for runner-up Victoria Country in the under-15 Australian Championships in Coolangatta.
He gained selection despite a knee injury which forced him to miss the second game of the carnival against eventual winner Western Australia.
Neal later returned to be best on ground against New South Wales followed by solid performances against Northern Territory, Australian Capital Territory and Victoria Metro.
"It was great to get into the team, we don't actually get to play anywhere with the Australian squad but it's just a privilege to make it,'' Neal said.
"In the first game I only played two quarters, I missed next game with an inflamed knee after I landed on it and had to miss out on Western Australia game.
"It was a good experience for the boys, just to play up at that standard with some of the best players in Australia.''
Neal will now concentrate on his club football with Grovedale while long-term hopes to succeed with the Geelong Falcons before aiming for the Australian under-17 squad which tours Ireland each year.
These days, `Scratcher' can be found in Brisbane coaching the Northern Eagles under-18s in the AFLQ.
