Murray Bushrangers duo Oscar Ryan and Coby James have made the grade for Victoria Country, chosen to don the big V at the under-18 AFL National Championships.
James (Mooroopna) and Ryan (Shepparton United) have flown up the ranks at the Bushies, and have been instrumental in this season’s Coates Talent League campaign.
They’ll first feature in Vic Country’s opening hit-out against South Australia on Sunday at IKON Park.
Having overseen the pair’s progress for a number of years, Bushrangers coach Mark Brown highlighted the dues paid by the 18-year-olds to earn a state call-up.
“First and foremost it’s a testament and reward for a really good start to the season, and for both of them that comes off the back of a great deal of work,” Brown said.
“Not just over this pre-season and this season, but also the preceding years. Both boys have worked really hard and have steadily improved their game from the moment they walked into our program three or four years ago.
“This is just the next step in what is hopefully a journey to potentially playing at the absolute pinnacle.”
On-baller James is averaging 20 disposals for the Bushrangers and has kicked three goals this season, playing a utility role.
Ryan earns his crust off half-back and has an average return of 24 possessions a game in 2023, including a standout 35 touches against Greater Western Sydney Giants Academy in round three.
Brown shed light on their skill sets, noting they had individual strengths to set them apart on a stage such as the national championships, where plenty of eyes will be watching.
“Oscar Ryan has cemented himself as one of the best young half-backs in the country,” Brown said.
“He takes the game on, he’s aggressive with his running patterns, he’s aggressive with his kicking, he’s strong in the contest and stands up really well under the physical pressure of football. He’s 188cm, so he’s almost your prototype AFL footballer.
“Coby James has proved that if you’re good enough, you’re big enough.
“He stands at 176cm, but his fundamentals are fantastic; he’s clean, he’s a one-touch footballer, he understands the game, makes good decisions and executes his fundamentals really well.”
Fundamentals will be key in the champs, with Vic Country’s opener followed up by a trip to the WACA to take on Western Australia on June 30.
July games against Allies and Vic Metro will cap the country squad’s titles, and with Brown anticipating James and Ryan to slot in the backline, the mentor has a morsel of advice for the young stars to chew on.
“For these two boys, they know what sits in front of them, the advice is to just narrow the focus and set your goals small,” Brown said.
“It’s not about going out, dominating a game of nationals football, it’s about executing the very basics well.
“Their first port of call will be controlling their opponent and making sure they minimise their impact on the game, and then from there they can expand their performance out.
“For me it’s all about keeping the focus very narrow — the dream is to get drafted, but the aim is to just continue to get better and do the small things well.
“They know what an opportunity it is, but the key is to not get too caught up in it and not think too far ahead.”
Also included in the Vic Country squad are fellow Goulburn Valley prospects Harley Reid (Tongala) and Oliver Poole (Echuca United).