GVL confirms senior football squad ahead of interleague clash

Echuca (seven) and Kyabram (eight) dominate this year’s contingent, making up exactly half of the 30-man squad, with both sides enjoying fantastic starts to the 2022 season.

Euroa livewire Jett Trotter will take his place for the GV, continuing what has been a remarkable return from a career-threatening injury.

Meanwhile the likes of Chris Nield (Mooroopna), Mitchell Brett, Anthony Andronaco, Ted Lindon (Shepparton) and Kyle Clarke (Shepparton United) will fly the flag for the local sides.

Legendary Kyabram coach Paul Newman takes the reins as coach of the GVL side, and explained what went into picking this year’s squad.

“It was a matter of touching base with coaches first and foremost to get their thoughts on potential candidates who are in good form, and then between the few of us we put together a bit of a shortlist,” Newman said.

“They are all in the top echelon of players at their club so it is always exciting to get a group of players that can bounce their talents and skills off one another.

“We have a group of players we think are going to get in there and have a crack, so I think we have definitely come up with the best list we possibly could.”

With the squad of players finalised, preparations will now begin to ramp up for the GVL side, as it looks to get its hands on the coveted Ash-Wilson trophy.

“Now having this team together we will have a training run next Wednesday night, we wanted to minimise the burden on the clubs and players as much as possible in the hope of getting the best squad together,” he said.

“So we will have a good run next week, get everyone together and then go into the Saturday game and put our best foot forward.”

The task will be a tough one however, with Ovens and Murray sporting a squad filled with seasoned country football superstars.

Newman said he was excited for the challenge O&M would present.

“They are obviously a fantastic league with some enormous names that the Goulburn Valley doesn’t have anymore, but we are confident we have a group of kids that will work really hard for one another,” he said.

“I have been involved in many an interleague game where we weren’t quite as good on paper and still won, so we’ll have a crack, play for the jumper and see where that takes us.”