Murray Bushrangers unveil under-18 boys and girls squads for 2024 Coates Talent League

“Back in July and August we asked for nominations from the clubs back in 2023 and, off the back of players coming in and doing athletic testing and intra-club games, we chose a pre-season squad,” Wilson said.

“We moved into pre-season which consisted of six weeks before Christmas and then another couple of weeks after Christmas.

“Over the Christmas break players were given a program to do a five-week block of both athletic and skill-based activities.

“Then we came back, had a trial game and some more testing and off the back of that we’ve chosen a squad of about 40 players (for the boys), but that also includes some players based in Melbourne at private school.”

Of the 41 boys picked in the under-18 boys side, 17 hail from the wider Goulburn Valley area.

Shepparton, Shepparton Swans, Shepparton United, Mooroopna, Euroa and Seymour make up the Goulburn Valley League base, while Murray Football League outfits Rumbalara and Cobram have representation on the Bushies’ list.

Wilson identified a handful of Shepparton-based up-and-comers as ones to watch for the coming season.

“Oliver Warburton from Shepp Swans, he’s in the Vic Country State Academy, so we’re looking forward to him having a big year,” he siad.

“And then there’s Matt and Jack Whitlock from Shepp, they’re going extremely well and we’re pretty excited about what they can potentially bring to the table.

“Also Darby Wilson from Euroa, he’s been tracking really well as well.

“Riley (Onley) is in the academy as a bottom-aged player, so hopefully he gets some exposure with some Vic Country games this year which will hold him in good stead for next season.”