Country football talents Harley Reid, Oskar Smartt and Oliver Poole have been named to take part in Victoria Country’s AFL National Championships campaign, which kicks off this Sunday against South Australia.
After displaying good form to start the Coates Talent League season and in a variety of representative clashes, the Bendigo Pioneers trio was included in a 31-player squad to don the big V, which was announced on Tuesday.
For Tongala talent Reid, he’ll come into his second under-18 campaign with two AFL Academy clashes and VFL experience under his belt, one of the frontrunners for the first pick at the national draft later this year.
Reid’s performance at last year’s championship catapulted him into the limelight, a pivotal part of Victoria Country’s golden run to the grand final against Victoria Metro.
The 18-year-old said he’d lean on that previous experience in this cycle.
“Playing it last year and getting the experience as a bottom-ager was something I cherished,” Reid said.
“To come back as a top-age player, I look forward to playing a new role and hopefully having a leadership role.
“We can’t wait to get into it on Friday and meet the group. Usually the country boys get along pretty quickly, and we’re lucky to have four Pios boys come along for the ride.”
A concussion in the academy game against Carlton VFL and illness have sidelined Reid recently, but he’s keen to put the last month behind him.
“The last five weeks haven’t gone to plan, but there’s still time to get better each week,” he said.
“I’m just trying to set that goal week in, week out and put all the noise behind me.”
First-time championship selections Smartt (Leitchville-Gunbower) and Poole (Echuca United) are ready to grasp the opportunity after a stellar start to the Talent League season.
Both have consistently featured in the Pioneers’ best players this season, culminating in a trial game for Victoria Country against the Young Guns last month.
“It’s a cool thing to represent your region,” Smartt said of his Victoria Country selection.
“I’m looking forward to it, playing with a new group of blokes should be exciting.”
Murray Football League export Poole has been a revelation on the wing for Bendigo, admitting he is excited for the challenge ahead should he be picked to play.
“I think it’s a great honour, not everyone gets picked in that side,” Poole said.
“That exposure to high-level footy will be good to see where you’re at.”
Victoria Country’s campaign kicks off against South Australia in Melbourne before making the trip across the Nullarbor to face Western Australia on June 30 at the WACA.
Country will then play the Allies (July 9) and Victoria Metro (July 15).
The first bounce between Victoria Country and South Australia will take place at 10.35am at Ikon Park in Carlton this Sunday. The match will be televised on the AFL website and Fox Footy.