Four Murray Bushrangers have been selected to play for Victoria Country in Round 1 of the Under 18 National Championships. Wil Brodie (Shepparton FC), Josh Schache (Seymour FC), David Mennen (Benalla FC) & Jy Simpkin (Mooroopna FC) will play against the Vic Metro team this Sunday 24 May at Simmonds Stadium.
Murray Bushrangers Talent Manager Lee Fraser said it was great reward for all players who have demonstrated strong early season TAC CUP form. “All four players selected for the first game have been a really good form during the early part of the season, as a club we are confident that all four will contribute strongly to what looks like shaping as a strong Vic Country outfit”.
Will Brodie (Shepparton) 187cm - After playing a handful of games as a 16 year old last season Brodie has quickly established himself as one of the premier midfielders in the TAC CUP. A strong bodied inside midfielder with the ability to win his own football, move through traffic and bring other players into the game. Wil is a member of the AFL ACADEMY squad where he was named best of ground against New Zealand earlier in the season.
Josh Schache (Seymour) 199cm - After winning the Murray Bushrangers goal-kicking award in 2014 Josh has impressed early this season as a powerful presence in the forward line. Schache represented the AFL ACADEMY earlier in the season where he performed strongly against VFL outfits Werribee & Northern Blues. Josh will form a key part of the Victorian Country team as both a target forward and through the ruck.
David Mennen (Benalla) 184cm - Mennen represented Vic Country in 2014 and has returned from two VFL games with Collingwood with a clear understanding of what is required at the next level. Super quick, outstanding kick and with an ability to break the lines Mennen will provide enormous drive through both the midfield and half back line.
Jy Simpkin (Mooroopna) 181cm - Electrifying small forward / midfielder Simpkin represented Victorian Country Under 16’s last season before playing with the Murray Bushrangers TAC CUP squad as a 16 year old. Jy has started the season brilliantly through the midfield and hitting the scoreboard regularly through hard work , skill and strength at the contest.
In addition to the four players selected for the first game of the National Carnival Mooroopna’s Clayton Oliver and Wangaratta’s Murray Waite will play in a Victorian Country trial game in a bid to press for selection later in the Carnival. “Both Clayton & Murray have hit good form over recent weeks and we look forward to them both playing well on Sunday, whilst it is a very strong Victorian Country squad we feel that both boys have the ability and work ethic to play at the level” Fraser said.
A number Murray Bushrangers are also in line for selection for the New South Wales / ACT Under 18 team that will participate in Division 2 of the National Championships from June 20. “A number of NSW boys are in good form and fingers crossed we can get a few boys selected in that squad which will be announced next month”.
Finally a number of Murray Bushrangers will represent their local leagues in the Victorian Country Championships this weekend. A number of developing players will play for the Ovens & Murray Football Netball League, Murray Football Netball League and Picola & District Football Netball League. Good Luck to all those boys…
TAC CUP LADDER
Last Modified on 20/05/2015 20:49
