Sport

Goulburn Valley League trio called up to Vic Country for national championships

By Marcus Beeck

May 29, 2025

Shepparton United's Riley Onley has been called up for higher honours. Photo by Rechelle Zammit

A baby Blue, a bolter and a behemoth will be donning the navy V next month.

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Victoria Country has announced its 27-player squad for the upcoming Under-18 National Championships.

The Goulburn Valley League has a trio of representatives ready to push their names forward in front of AFL recruiters.

Shepparton United product and AFL Academy member Riley Onley is a hulking inside midfielder.

Standing at 194cm tall, Onley adds a touch of class and endurance to his physicality in the contest.

Onley was also part of Vic Country’s squad in 2024 as an underage player and didn’t disappoint.

The highly-rated prospect racked up a personal tournament-high of 20 disposals, seven clearances and three marks against the Allies.

In the match against South Australia, he collected 17 touches and four marks, while in the grand final against Vic Metro, he booted one goal and had nine touches and three tackles in the one-point loss.

Young Rochester and Murray Bushrangers key defender Harry Moon has made a last-minute dash into the squad.

Moon has shone brightly and is a bolter into the team after a slew of impressive Coates Talent League performances.

Originally from Murray Football League club Numurkah, 196cm Moon is a nullifying defender who will be hoping to feature in the side’s first championship match against Western Australia.

Echuca’s Cody Walker has been selected in the squad as an underage player.

The 17-year-old midfielder is already firming as a potential number one pick in the 2026 draft and has a father-son link to Carlton thanks to his old man Andrew who played 202 games for the Blues.

Walker’s class was on display when playing for Bendigo Pioneers in the Coates Talent League this season as he collected 31 disposals and kicked three goals against Greater Western Victoria Rebels.

Vic Country will begin its campaign against Western Australia on June 7, followed by a clash against South Australia on June 29, a fixture against Allies on July 5 and a derby against Vic Metro on July 20.