Eight Murray Bushrangers have been selected to participate in the Victorian Country Academy squad this Saturday in Craigieburn. They will join 30 talented footballers from across country Victoria in gaining the opportunity to match their skills with their metropolitan counterparts in a prelude to the 2016 Under 18 National Championships.
Murray Bushrangers Talent Manager Lee Fraser once again highlighted the opportunities provided through AFL VICTORIA’S talent pathway. “It is great to see a number of players gain exposure to football at the next level, already this year we have had 15 players participate in either the Under National Championships or at State League level”.
The Victorian Country Academy program provides a great opportunity for the ‘younger’ members of the Murray Bushrangers squad, it is great reward for effort whilst also providing an insight into the opportunities that may present with continued hard work both on and off the field.
The players selected include:
Isaac Wallace (Wodonga Bulldogs) – Missed the Murray Bushrangers under 16 program last year due to a broken leg in the final practice match. A diligent recovery combined with strong workrate and skill level has seen the tough inside midfielder perform well with Wodonga at senior level and more recently in the TAC CUP.
Jake Page (Albury) - Represented Vic Country under 16’s in 2014 and has played good TAC CUP football with the Bushrangers this season. Jake is a superb athlete who provides strong running power either through the wing or across half back.
Harry Morrison (Benalla) – Recovered from a knee injured suffered in Victorian Country trial game last year, following a solid rehabilitation program he returned to playing with Benalla last month. Harry is likely to make his TAC CUP debut in the coming weeks and is a skilful player either across half forward or through the midfield.
Esava Ratugolea (Cobram) – Young Fijian lad from Cobram who has developed enormously since training commenced back in November this year. At 195cm he possess elite speed and power which combined with an appetite for the contest provides Ratugolea with a great platform to perform at the next level.
Ned Nihill (Nathalia) – Talented Key Defender from the Murray Football League who has played strong TAC CUP football this season. Ned played in the Victorian Country under 16 squad last year, reads the play well and has great skills.
Louis Pinnuck (Strathmerton) – Talented youngster who has developed throughout the pre-season and then again since making his TAC CUP debut last month. Pinnuck is an exciting athlete who runs all day, kicks the ball superbly and demonstrates a willingness to compete and learn. Louis is a product of the Picola and District Football League.
James Cousins (Mansfield) – Has been superb at TAC CUP level throughout the season, taking on a midfield role where is running power and strength have been on display. Cousins reads the play well, provides a contest at every opportunity and has very good skills to match.
Mitch King (Wodonga) - Another young Bushranger who has recovered from a serious knee injury to perform superbly at TAC CUP level this year. The 200cm ruckman will be provided with an overage year next year where he will be aiming to play a role in the National Carnival.
This week’s Victorian Country Academy game is at Highgate Recreation Reserve in Craigieburn and commences at 1.00pm. TAC CUP LADDER
Last Modified on 17/07/2015 10:35
