Rising Border softball star Tynan Purtell will represent Victoria at the 18 and under national championships in Sydney next month.
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It will mark Purtell's third time competing at state level.
The 17-year-old from Albury is said to be one of the best pitchers in the state for his age and hopes this will give him the edge against his competitors come December.
"It feels good when you're from a country town like Albury and you're going up against the metropolitan areas," Purtell said.
"Being one of the best is pretty good.
"It's taken a lot of hard work over the years.
"It's the same competition as last year but they've bumped the age group up, so the players should be the same.
"I know what to expect when we go into it."
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Purtell will be looking to impress at the national event with spots in the Australian squad up for grabs.
The finalised national team will then take on New Zealand in March next year.
Purtell admits representing his country has been a long time dream of his.
"I'm looking to try and make the Australian team, that would be my biggest aspiration," Purtell said.
"It'll be really tough, but if I work hard I should have a shot."
The talented youngster has been playing softball for the past nine years after he was first introduced to the sport as child by his mum, Jenny.
"Mum was playing softball when I was young and I'd come along and watch," Purtell said.
"I thought, why don't I give this a crack, and that's how it started."
Purtell now travels down the highway to Melbourne every Sunday for training.
"It's a lot of hard work and they (parents) put in a lot of effort for me, which is good," Purtell said.
The softball star also plays soccer in the winter months with Border club Albury City.
With his year-12 studies now commencing, Purtell admits the juggling act between school and softball has begun.
The men's 18 and under National Softball Championships will get underway on December 8.
