GVL picks its under-19 gladiators to face the VAFA

“They’ve gelled together really well,” Yze said.

“We’ve had five or six training sessions as a group and they come from everywhere - Mansfield, Seymour, Rochester, you name it - and they’ve all turned up for training, which is exciting.

“They’ve bought into the program, and why wouldn’t you?

“GVL interleague is what you want to be playing, so they’ve done a great job.”

Yze stated positional needs were the main priority in formulating selection criteria, as well as believing experience in senior football will pay dividends on game day.

“It was mainly position-based, but a lot of them are playing senior footy for their local club so that makes it a bit easier,” Yze said.

“Being an under-19s game, it gives them that extra year of experience against hardened, toughened bodies.

“It’s been tough making the selection call for the side, but one well worthwhile, and I can’t wait to see what they do on Saturday.”

When it comes to the GVL’s opposition, Yze stated his side was in for a challenge against a quality outfit.

The VAFA’s premier under-19s competition is one of the state’s most elite, featuring private school alumni teams from schools that offer the top football scholarship programs - ones prospects strive to obtain in hopes of AFL draft recognition.

“The VAFA are a strong side, they like to run and carry the ball, so we’ll be there to win the contested footy and get the ball going our way, and hopefully we’ll get the result we’re after,” Yze said.

The under-19s interleague match begins at 11:30am on Saturday at Elsternwick Park, Brighton.