Youth stars of GVL hoping to make an impact during interleague tussle

The GV hasn’t tasted victory in the under-18 bracket since 2019 and the O&M has inflicted 59 and 28-point defeats on its opponent in recent years.

Yze said with the calibre of talent at his disposal, there’s no secret about the GVL’s intentions.

“O&M have got us the last couple of years, so hopefully we can get it done Saturday,” Yze said.

“A lot of (players) have played senior GVL footy, so I’m hoping that holds us in good stead for Saturday.

“They’re playing good footy at under-18 level and they’re coming in with some form and confidence, so they’ll be showcasing their talent.

“We’ll have a game plan, but we want them to show us what they’ve got and just put on a show.

“We’re going there to get the win – there’s no secret about that.”

GVL was right in the game up to half-time of last year’s contest before O&M pulled away for an 11.8 (74) to 7.4 (46) victory.

But beyond having the name etched into the winning honours board, third-year interleague mentor Yze is acutely aware of the opportunity the game provides for his young charges to announce themselves as stars at even higher levels.

“I think it’s pretty important to be honest,” Yze said.

“A lot of these kids have been through the (Bendigo) Pioneers program, the Bushrangers program and might have been cut or overlooked.

“What better way to showcase what they’ve got to everyone else and maybe put their hand up for a late call-up to those squads or even further to VFL level?

“I reckon it’s a really good concept, interleague footy, just for that reason — that people show what they’ve got.

“It gives them a bit of a buzz playing high-standard footy, playing with other players that you don’t normally see on a Saturday.

“Most of them know each other which is good, so that gelling part is already done.”

The under-18 interleague clash begins at 12pm at WJ Findlay Oval, Wangaratta.