The pinnacle for all underage footballers across the state, Shepparton’s Oliver Warburton (Swans), Matt Whitlock and Jack Whitlock (Bears) will get the honour of pulling on the Big V as part of Victoria Country’s under-16 development championships squad.
Joining Benalla’s Joe Berry from the Goulburn Valley, Warburton and Matt Whitlock form part of Country’s 30-man squad for the championships, while Jack Whitlock was added to the group in a non-playing capacity after suffering a ruptured spleen earlier in the season.
The culmination of what has been an exciting year for dual sport prodigy Matt Whitlock, he said it was an incredible honour to be included in this state football squad.
“It has been pretty exciting so far, especially getting into new squads with the Bushies and making new mates from across the state,” Whitlock said.
“To receive the news I’d been picked for Victoria Country I was just pumped, to not only be able to play but share it with my mates from basketball and things it is incredible.
“I’m a little bit nervous about the first game this weekend, but more so excited to get into it.”
Matt’s twin brother Jack was on track to join him in the under-16 Victoria Country squad, before serious injury earlier in the season ruled him out for an extended period.
But the Victoria Country brainstrust ensured the 16-year-old would still be included in the championships experience, getting him involved in a non-playing capacity.
“It has been pretty good (to be included), getting the injury I thought I’d just be going down there to watch Matt, but now I’m actually involved it’s great,” Whitlock said.
“Getting that experience of seeing what the training is like, exploring the facilities and being part of the team, I am really looking forward to it.”
Warburton on the other hand boasts an incredibly impressive junior resume, dominating his way through the underage grades at Shepparton Swans.
Part of a revered sporting family, he said he was excited to continue on that rich legacy and take his game to the championships stage.
“Joy (was my first reaction to hearing the news), I was really excited to get the chance to showcase my skills and I am very confident,” Warburton said.
“I am super excited to get out there for the first game against Victoria Metro this weekend and I’ll just try to play my role as best I can.”
Victoria Country’s under-16 development championships campaign begins on Saturday morning as it takes on Victoria Metro at Ikon Park.