A number of rising talents from Cobram and Barooga took the next step in their football journeys last week, taking part in the V-Line in Shepparton.
Hitting the field for Goulburn Murray in the under-15 boys tournament, Cobram’s Mikael Corso, Paulie Degei, Adam Champagne, Hunter Hardwidge and Joesph Allen joined forces with Barooga’s Jayden Geisler and Sonney Rowe to take on some of Victoria’s best young talent.
A step in the direction of playing NAB League football, the young stars were split in two divisions, with Degei and Geisler in division one and Corso, Champagne, Hardwidge, Allen and Rowe in division two.
Coach of Goulburn Murray’s division one side, Mark Lambourn, said the carnival was all about developing the game’s future stars.
“All the boys were very serviceable, unfortunately Jayden (Geisler) got injured and missed the second game,” Lambourn said.
“But I think they thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the opportunity to play at that level.
“It’s sort of almost a first step into their pathway into that next stage of their football careers.”
Lambourn explained that the V/Line Cup was all about recognising players who play good football throughout the year, with the young talents able to take on others at their level and play in a number of different positions.
“Most of them (the team) will probably get an invite into the (Murray) Bushrangers program later this year and they can start to set themselves up into hopefully making the Bushrangers,” he said.
A particular highlight of the carnival from a Cobram perspective was the inclusion of Mikael Corso, with the youngster coming in as a bottom age talent.
“We had a couple of injuries so the fact he was able to step up as a bottom age boy and acquit himself was really impressive,” Lambourn said.
“He certainly did not look out of place there, his speed, his size, his skills and ability were fantastic.
“All those boys were really good, gave us great service and played good football.”