Sport
Goulburn Valley’s Vic Country reps ready to rip in AFL under-18 National Championships final
Shepparton’s reputation as a breeding ground for elite AFL talent will again be on display this weekend when Vic Country hosts its city rivals in the final of the under-18 National Championships.
Expected first round draft picks Matt and Jack Whitlock, who hail from Shepparton, will headline a strong Goulburn Valley contingent hoping to defeat Vic Metro and be crowned the best under-18 football side in Australia.
The match is being held under the roof at Marvel Stadium and televised live on Fox Footy at 10.30am.
Joining the Whitlock brothers is Shepparton Swans half-back Ollie Warburton, Benalla small forward Joe Berry and bottom-age young gun Riley Onley (Shepparton United).
The five Murray Bushrangers have all played a key role in Vic Country’s undefeated run to the national final.
Euroa’s Cohen Paul also represented Vic Country in game one.
Bushrangers head coach and Vic Country assistant Mark Brown said all five had made strong contributions across the championships, which included wins against South Australia, Allies (NT, Tasmania, Queensland and NSW combined) and Western Australia.
“All five boys have put in a mountain of work over the past two years and as a result deserve this opportunity,” Brown said.
“To have five Bushrangers in the final VC team and six play across the entire champs, is a great reflection of our program, especially when you consider approximately half our squad comes from across the border in NSW and falls into Allies jurisdiction.
“Sunday should be a cracking game given how much top-end talent will be on display.”
Vic Metro will be headlined by potential number one draft selection Josh Smillie, along with expected top 10 picks Levi Ashcroft, Jagga Smith, Luke Trainor and Murphy Reid.
In addition to the Whitlocks and Berry, who have been floated as first round draft picks, Vic Country’s line-up will include rival number one selection Finn O’Sullivan.
“There is no doubt Metro’s midfield is stacked with talent, but hopefully we can stretch them at either end,” Brown said.
“Our talls give us a point of difference and under the roof at Marvel should provide perfect conditions.”
Jack Whitlock is expected to rotate between the ruck and deep forward.
Berry will play small forward, while Matt Whitlock and Warburton have been strong in defence.
Onley, who is one of two bottom-age players selected for Vic Country, will rotate through the midfield.