Shooting
6 November, 2024
Porter shoots to second at Nationals
Chase Porter came second at the 2024 National Field and Game Championships held at Clunes on Saturday, November 2, and Sunday, November 3.
The 14-year-old was in the Sub Junior category, and he shot 104/150, 12 behind the winner, Finn McBurnie, who shot 116. Brody Leigh was third with 97/150.
The shoot is held over two days, and shooters have 25 shots at six separate stations. The conditions were challenging on Saturday with wind, and it settled down on Sunday.
Porter, the youngest of four children, comes from a shooting family and has been shooting since he was a kid. He took up field and game when he was 12, and his father, Simon, mainly got him into it and has been driving him to various clubs around the region.
His mother, Shari, and his three sisters, Beth (21), Mayci (19), and Jas (17), also shoot.
Porter said it was tough but persevered and explained why he loves shooting.
"It feels pretty good to come second, and it was windy, and I just had to push through," Porter said.
"I was pretty happy with the way I shot.
"Shooting is my favourite sport as I get to be with my family and have a fun day out."
This was Porter's second championship, having placed fifth last year. When asked what he had improved over the previous 12 months, he highlighted his ability to read the field better.
"I have been watching everyone else and seeing what the targets are doing and where I need to shoot," Porter said.
"That allows me to understand better what I need to shoot and how far in front I need to shoot or if I need to shoot underneath."
As for the future, Porter would like to see how far it takes him.
"For now, I just want to see where it takes me and will just see how it plays out."
Porter is also the boy's under-15 schools champion, having won that event at Coleraine in August, following his win in 2023. 2023 he shot 26/30, and in 2024, he shot 23/30.
Porter is also a member of Natimuk Field and Game. Last year, he shot a 25 from 25 for the first time, earning his first 25 at the break badge.
He is also part of the West Vic Academy of Sport Program for his shooting.
Not only is he a talented shooter, but he also excels at football and loves his fishing.
This year for Pimpinio, Porter played in his first premiership with the under-17s. He also played the under-14s, where he won the best and fairest award and was the leading goal-kicker.
Porter's mum, Shari, said they are proud of him.
"We are very proud of what he has achieved and glad he has stuck with his shooting."