The wheels are in motion for the upcoming under-16 NAB League Murray Bushrangers’ season, with a pre-season training squad named recently.
A trio of Benalla boys have received a call-up, with Jaidyn Chee (Benalla Bulldogs), Hamish Willett (Benalla Giants) and Rory Sammon (Benalla Bulldogs) all invited to take part in the pre-season squad.
The three were named on the back of some superb showings at the V/Line Cup tournament held in September.
Murray Bushrangers’ under-16 boys assistant coach Simon Grumley said he was excited for what the next two years held for this crop of footballers.
“We know the importance of supporting talented young footballers at this stage of their development,” Grumley said.
“In two years from now some of these players will be weeks from joining an AFL club via the national draft in November 2024.
“Both Oliver Hollands (Wodonga) and Brayden George (Tatura/Wangaratta Rovers) were in this position at the start of 2020. A combination of hard work and dedication has placed them well for this year’s AFL draft.”
Murray Bushrangers talent lead Mick Wilson said he was pleased local junior talent pathways could resume usual programming this year following a disrupted past two seasons.
“It’s exciting to return to pre-COVID schedules within the AFL talent pathways,” Wilson said.
“Importantly, throughout COVID, local clubs provided outstanding support to players and people within their communities.
“We received more than 180 nominations for the under-16 boys squad which reflects the enthusiasm of coaches and volunteers to support their talented young footballers.”
The squad will begin pre-season training at Wangaratta on Sunday, November 20.