It has been a monumental wait since the last representative boys match hit Shepparton and what better way to welcome it back than with a grudge match against country rival Bendigo Pioneers.
Onlookers for Sunday's 1pm encounter will bask in the performances of 10 talented products from the Goulburn and Murray Valley region.
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Shepparton Swans duo Josh Rachele and Ethan Warburton are joined by Shepparton pair Jayden Gagliardi and Achoung Agog, while Shepparton United is represented by Kade Chalcraft and Jhett Cooper.
Mooroopna's Tom Brown, Cobram's Harry Beasley, Euroa's Tom Panuccio and Finley's Ben Ashley-Cooper have made the 26-player team, while United's Fergus Pinnuck has been named an emergency.
Murray Bushrangers coach Mark Brown said he was looking forward to seeing the players back out in action after the long hiatus.
“It has been 18 months in the waiting, it's been a roller-coaster ride for the boys,” Brown said.
“But they get an opportunity to run out on Sunday and everyone is really excited to see how they perform.
“Given the shorter pre-season and limited training we have had, our focus has been on reconnecting the players and staff again after the time off.
“We thought it was important we get back to enjoyment first and then hammer down all the strategies and areas where improvement is needed after the opening few rounds.”
Following the Bushies’ 2021 squad announcements last month, supporters of the outfit have been eager to catch a glimpse of that first line-up.
At the centre bounce, top-10 AFL draft prospect Rachele will be joined by United's Chalcraft.
Warburton and Panuccio are set to unleash their pace on the wings, while Cooper will look to hit the scoreboard from the forward pocket.
Brown will provide run-and-carry off the half-back flank, while Beasley will tie down his opponent in the back pocket.
Gagliardi, Agog and Ashley-Cooper will provide fresh legs from the bench.
But one eye-catching omission is United talent Zavier Maher, who is recovering from surgery, but the on-baller is tipped to be available for selection in the coming weeks.
“Zav (Maher) will miss out through injury, but apart from him, we will be at full strength which is a nice feeling to have,” Brown said.
“Hopefully that can continue throughout the year.
“We have got some exciting prospects in the side.
“I can't wait to see how Josh can perform. His performances as a 16-year-old were exceptional.
“He has had a strong pre-season and he has put in the hard yards at training.
“And Tom is another who had a taste for NAB League as a bottom-ager and has now given himself a good platform for the year ahead.
“He tested really strongly and we are looking forward to seeing how he performs.”
● It will be a double-header at Deakin Reserve on Sunday, with Murray's and Bendigo's under-17 outfits to play a curtain-raiser from 10.45am.
The under-19s will hit the park at 1pm following the conclusion of the early match.
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