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Murray Bushrangers reveal under-18 boys and girls squads for 2023

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Lock it in: Murray Bushrangers have locked in their squads for the upcoming boys and girls seasons. Photo by Megan Fisher

A raft of promising teenage footballers from the Goulburn Valley region have been selected in the Murray Bushrangers’ squad for the upcoming season.

On Monday morning the Bushrangers revealed their under-18 boys squad and it’s littered with an abundance of GV talent.

In the 51-player squad, a total of 17 players hail from Goulburn Valley League outfits.

Shepparton Swans can boast having the most inclusions with seven — a club record.

Euroa, Mansfield, Seymour and Shepparton are each represented twice, while Shepparton United and Mooroopna have one player each in the squad.

Rennie’s Ben Kennedy is the sole player from a district league club.

Earlier this month, the Bushrangers finalised their girls under-18 squad.

Once again there’s a strong representation of juniors picked from the region, with 10 in total.

Shepparton Swans, following their Northern Country Women’s League Youth Girls premiership last year, make up the bulk of the list with six players.

With the selection phase now done, all eyes turn to the start of the Coates Talent League next month, according to Murray Bushrangers regional talent operations lead Mick Wilson.

“It’s a pretty long process, one that started back in July 2022,” Wilson said.

“Training then ramps up in November and it’s a busy schedule between then and now, so it’s nice to get the two squads locked in.

“There’s been a pretty significant change for this year with both the girls and boys to play the same number of games and the girls program to now be aligned with the boys.

“They have the same number of support programs and resources as the boys which is really exciting for their development.”

Goulburn Valley-based players

Murray Bushrangers under-18 boys squad

Cohen Paul, Darby Wilson (Euroa), Ben Les, Andrew Thompson (Mansfield), Coby James (Mooroopna), Oliver Munro, Angus Murray (Seymour), Matt Whitlock, Jack Whitlock (Shepparton), Sam Bicknell, Joeve Cooper, Kade Dwyer, Mitch Grumley, Caidan Phillips, Lucas Rachele, Oliver Warburton (Shepparton Swans), Oscar Ryan (Shepparton United).

Murray Bushrangers under-18 girls squad

Leila Creevey (Euroa), Ellie Armstrong, Atong Dang, Holly Egan, Amani Issell, Payten Johnstone, Charlise Ogilvie (Shepparton Swans), Charli Guppy, Matilda Henderson, Olivia McGie (Shepparton United).