It’s a question that arises at this time of the year as the early murmurs of draft rankings break out into a blaze and, after last week, Shepparton could soon boast two coals in the fire.
Victoria Country hosted a three-day training camp at Deakin University’s Waurn Ponds campus, with a pair of Murray Bushrangers among the 25-strong Country squad.
One is already hot on the draft radar and the other is freshly ignited.
Shepparton United and Rumbalara product Tanner Armstrong is a well-known name among Vic Country selectors, having played once as a bottom-ager in last year’s national champs as well as three times in the under-16s in 2024.
The Richmond Next Generation Academy member starred for Murray Bushrangers and Scotch College alongside recent Shepparton draftee Riley Onley in 2025, but another Bushies teammate has clearly made a convincing case for state selection.
His name is Angus Williams.
A highly-touted prospect out of Deakin Reserve, the Shepparton tall also took part in the Vic Country training camp last week.
The 193cm key position player builds off a solid 2025 where he broke into the Bushrangers squad and featured in the Bears’ thirds premiership win, kicking a goal in the grand final.
“Angus’ season was interrupted through injury last year, but he was able to finish off the year well,” Bushrangers under-18 boys coach Justin McMahon said.
“He played in the Vic Country Futures game which set himself up for an invitation to this initial camp.
“It was good recognition for his back end of last year and it’s a good opportunity to set himself up for a big campaign this year.”
McMahon was also involved at the three-day camp, which focused on connection and education as well as physical training sessions.
He said the exposure would hold Armstrong and Williams in good stead upon return to Bushrangers training next week, with another month until the final cut.
“It was great recognition for those two guys getting called up to the first camp ... this is the first step towards the national championships,” McMahon said.
“For those guys it was a really good platform for the upcoming year with nationals in mind, but a lot of learnings they’ll be able to take back to our Bushies boys as well which is really good.”
The Shepparton duo will hope to make the next Vic Country intake, which will be expanded to a squad of 50 after the first month of the Talent League season for trial matches.
“The carrot is still there, but to be invited initially is a good head start on everyone else potentially,” McMahon said.
Another Goulburn Valley gun was getting down to work in Geelong last week, with projected number one pick Cody Walker ramping up preparations for his draft year.
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