The Coates Talent League is all about development and there’s plenty to like about the district boys so far.
Shepparton tall forward Jack Whitlock sits atop the pile after sinking another three goals during Sunday’s gathering of country Talent League teams at Ballarat’s MARS Stadium.
The Bushrangers were well beaten on the day, going down to Geelong Falcons 16.11 (107) to 8.8 (56).
Head coach Mark Brown oversaw a tough day out.
“I thought (Whitlock) was our standout performer on an otherwise pretty disappointing weekend,” Brown said.
“We got beaten around the ball, but to his credit he worked really hard as a key forward and second ruck.”
Bears prospect Whitlock was the only Bushranger to find the big sticks multiple times, with the other two Shepparton sides well represented as Swans junior Sam Bicknell and United’s Riley Onley found the scoresheet.
With that said, Brown outlined bigger opportunities awaiting several Goulburn Valley juniors while the Bushrangers sit out for a fortnight.
“Jack has been selected in the All-Australian squad to play Coburg this weekend at IKON Park as a last-minute injury replacement,” Brown said.
“It’s a testament to the work he’s done and the form that he’s in.
“It’s a really proud moment, not just for him, but all the relevant stakeholders — his family, the Bears and the Bushrangers as well.
“We thought he was unlucky not to make the initial squad, but there are a lot of good footballers out there.
“He’s gotten right to work, made himself bigger, faster and stronger and he’s playing some very good football.”
Whitlock won’t be the only one ascending to a higher plane this weekend — even in his family.
Five other Goulburn Valley juniors in the Bushrangers squad can earn Vic Country representation if they impress in a pair of trial matches against Vic Metro on Sunday.
Onley (Shepparton United), Matt Whitlock (Shepparton), Joe Berry (Benalla), Oliver Warburton (Shepparton Swans) and Cohen Paul (Euroa) will make the trip to Werribee for the two scratch matches.
“It reflects their strong starts to the season,” Brown said.
“We were a bit down at the weekend, but they’ve worked hard and they’re getting a chance at the next level.”
Meanwhile, it’s been a long wait for the under-18 Bushrangers girls, but the squad gets its first Talent League run out of the year on Sunday afternoon.
Craigieburn’s Highgate Recreation Reserve is the venue as the Bushrangers girls tackle Gippsland Power in a big weekend for district representative football.