The best young guns in the Ovens and Murray league revealed
There’s plenty of exciting young talent within the ranks of Ovens and Murray league clubs. Here’s a look at the best.
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In every competition there are always the next generation of stars who show glimpses of their potential, or take the game on and dominate.
The Ovens and Murray football league is no different with multiple players taking centre stage this season to be among the best in the competition.
We’ve compiled a list of the best who have impressed this year in the Ovens and Murray league.
VFL players are listed but they must had played more than six games for their local club in 2023.
So here are the best young guns this season.
Sam Azzi, North Albury
Azzi just qualified for the list after playing six games for North Albury during the season. The key defender has been playing for Werribee this season in the VFL, making three appearances.
Ben Ashley-Cooper, Lavington
We didn’t see the best of the midfielder this year after a shoulder injury saw him miss the final half of the season. Ashley-Cooper played eight games and was among the best in three matches.
Joe Berry, Wangaratta
A small forward who is playing well in the seniors as a 17-year-old. Berry played six games and kicked 11 goals for the Magpies, including one goal in the preliminary final against Albury. Berry also played for the Murray Bushrangers in the Coates League.
Riley Bice, Albury
The former Murray Bushranger is an emerging small forward who has played well for the Tigers this year. Bice played 19 games and kicked 27 goals this season. He will play in this week’s grand final against Yarrawonga.
Nelson Bowey, Wodonga Raiders
Already playing seniors even though he is still a teenager. Bowey played 13 games and was among the best in nine of them. He was rewarded for his year with the rising star award in the Ovens and Murray.
Tom Bracher, Wodonga Raiders
The rebounding defender knows how to win the ball. Bracher played seven games for Richmond in the VFL and also was involved in 12 games for the Raiders. He was among the best in six games and kicked eight goals.
Declan Bren, Myrtleford
The second leading goalkicker for the Saints this season. The key forward kicked 16 goals in 15 matches in his second full season of seniors.
Max Byrne, Albury
The defender continues to shine in his first season of seniors at Albury. He’s played 16 games and been among the best in five games.
Jett Cassidy, Wodonga
A young forward on the rise at the Bulldogs. He kicked 19 goals in 17 games in his first full season of seniors.
Thomas Cappellari, Myrtleford
The Saints player has worked his way into the North Melbourne VFL team after impressive performances for Myrtleford. The outside midfielder played 13 games and was in the best in eight of them.
Hayden Clarke, Wodonga Raiders
Another Ovens and Murray player who has spent time in the VFL this season. Clarke played two games for the Northern Bullants in the midfield. For the Raiders, he was one of the best. He played 10 games and was in the best in all but one game.
Lucas Conlan, Albury
The full back has helped the Tigers make the grand final this year. The former GWS Coates League player’s been among the best in six games out of 17 this season.
Ned Conway, Wodonga Raiders
The North Melbourne VFL listed player has played for the Raiders for most of this year, being one of the best at the team. The midfielder played 16 games and was in the best in 10 of them.
William Glanvill, Lavington
Played SANFL earlier this season for West Adelaide before returning back to the Ovens and Murray league. The tall midfielder was among the best in 11 of 13 games for the Panthers this season.
Hunter Gottschling, Wangaratta
One of the rising midfield stars at the Magpies. Gottschling played four games of VFL with Geelong this season as well as playing for Wangaratta. In eight games for the Magpies he was in the best players in six matches.
Alex Jacobs, Myrtleford
The former Brisbane Lions Coates League player has impressed since joining the Saints in the off-season. The strong bodied midfielder played 15 games and was in the best in nine matches.
Justin Lewis, Wangaratta Rovers
Lewis joined the Rovers from Corowa in the off-season and played for Ovens and Murray in the under-18 interleague match. The midfielder played eight senior matches this year, being among the best in three of them.
Ben Kennedy, Yarrawonga
The teenager’s performances have impressed former Geelong player and Yarrawonga coach Steve Johnson this season. The midfielder played seven games in seniors, kicking two goals, to add to his two appearances for the Murray Bushrangers this season.
Ewan Mackinlay, Lavington
Lavington coach Adam Schneider believes Mackinlay has a great future in the game after impressing this year. The midfielder has played 16 games and kicked 18 goals. He’s also been among the best in 14 games.
Josh Mathey, Wodonga
The Bulldogs young gun continues to play well and is already a senior best and fairest winner at the club. Mathey’s been among the best in 16 of 18 games and was influential in getting the team to the finals this season.
Alex McCarthy, Wangaratta Rovers
The midfielder’s been one of the best for the Rovers this year in the centre of the ground. McCarthy played 17 games and was among the best in nine of them.
Will McCarthy, Wangaratta Rovers
McCarthy has played five games for the Rovers, being among the best in three of them. He’s also played 10 games for the Murray Bushrangers, including their finals loss to the Greater Western Victoria Rebels recently.
Ashton McPherson, Myrtleford
He might have been 16 for most of the season but McPherson was one of the best in defence for the Saints. The defender played 15 games and was one of the best in six matches. McPherson was nominated earlier this year as a rising star of the competition.
Jace McQuade, Wangaratta Rovers
The utility played 10 games at the end of the season after missing the start with injury. McQuade made the list last year and is a key player for the Rovers.
Toby Murray, Wangaratta Rovers
Signed with Essendon’s VFL team but didn’t play a game this season. For Wangaratta, he played 16 games, kicked 12 goals and was among the best in six of them. Murray is capable of playing as a ruckman and a forward.
Tyler Norton, Wangaratta
A Magpies defender who has also played for the Geelong VFL team this year. Norton was also pivotal for Wangaratta this year, playing 16 matches and being among the best in four of them.
Jack O’Sullivan, Wodonga
The former Koroit defender had a good first season in the Ovens and Murray league. He’s played 13 games and been in the best in eight of them. O’Sullivan helped the team to make and win a final this year.
Ned Pendergast, Yarrawonga
A young forward who’s played all games this season for Yarrawonga. The small forward has kicked nine goals.
Kyal Tyson, Yarrawonga
The ruckman has continued to impress at the Pigeons and will play in the grand final this weekend. He’s played 12 games for the minor premiers.
Cam Wilson, Yarrawonga
A former Murray Bushrangers captain who continues to improve in the Ovens and Murray league. The midfielder kicked 18 goals in 17 matches and has been among the best players in 10 games. Will feature in this weekend’s grand final against Albury.
Originally published as The best young guns in the Ovens and Murray league revealed
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