The best young guns in the Bendigo league revealed
There’s plenty of exciting young talent within the ranks of Bendigo 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 Bendigo 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 Bendigo 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.
Taj Bond, Maryborough
One to look out for in the future. The forward has dominated the under-18s, kicking 38 goals in 11 matches, including three in the final against Strathfieldsaye last weekend. In four senior games he has kicked seven goals.
Jye Chambers, Kyneton
The wingman has played all but one game for the Tigers this season. Chambers has been among the best in a couple of games and is quick around the ground.
Archer Day-Wicks, Sandhurst
A midfielder who also plays in the forward line. Day-Wicks made his senior debut for Sandhurst this year, playing three games and kicking two goals. He also played for the Bendigo Pioneers and Vic Country.
Macey Eaton, Golden Square
A contested ball winning player who has played eight games of senior footy in his first season at Golden Square.
Connor Evans, Kangaroo Flat
Been one of the best for Kangaroo Flat in the under-18s and seniors when he’s played. Evans has played eight games for the Kangaroos, kicking seven goals. In under-18, he’s kicked 22 goals in seven matches. A speedy player who has good skill.
James Fox, Gisborne
In his first season of senior footy, Fox has impressed, playing 12 games and kicking seven goals, playing in the midfield and in the forward line. He is the son of this year’s Bulldogs coach Brad.
Hugh Freckleton, Golden Square
A ruckman who is capable of going forward and kicking a goal. Freckleton has been a leading player for the Bulldogs in their rise to the top. He’s played 14 senior games and kicked 12 goals.
Noah Furlong, Kangaroo Flat
The defender has made the transition to senior footy this season and played well, making 14 appearances.
Ethan Hein, Castlemaine
Impressed in his first season in seniors, playing 16 matches and being in the best in two games. Hein knows how to intercept mark and is a good decision maker. He has signed a new deal to remain at the club in 2024.
Jack Hickman, Golden Square
Another key young player for Golden Square. Has been in the best players in 10 of 18 games and averaged almost a goal a game.
Lucas Hurse, Maryborough
A Bendigo Pioneer midfielder who has made six appearances for the Magpies this year. Still playing under-18s, Hurse has helped the team make the finals, playing nine games and being among the best in four of them.
Carson James, Strathfieldsaye
Has made a couple of appearances for the Storm’s seniors this season in his first full year out of under-18s. A physical player who hunts for the ball.
Flynn Lakey, Gisborne
Been another big season for Lakey. The midfielder has been in the best in 14 games out of the 18 he has played.
Kya Lanfranchi, Maryborough
The defender has been one of the best for Maryborough this season, in a tough year for the club. Lanfranchi has been in the best players in 13 out of 18 games.
Zaydyn Lockwood, South Bendigo
The Bloods gun continues to improve despite still playing under-18s. He’s made seven senior appearances this season and also represented Vic Country against Vic Metro in the diversity game.
Harry Luxmoore, Gisborne
Has averaged almost two goals a game for the Bulldogs this year in his first year of senior footy. Luxmoore has kicked 26 goals in 15 games. Last year, he kicked 70 goals in the under-18s.
Callum McConachy, Castlemaine
Been one of the best for the Magpies this season. In 15 games, he’s been the best in 12 and kicked 11 goals as well.
Blake McGregor, Eaglehawk
A quick and skilful player who has played 13 games in his first full season at the Hawks. Capable of playing on the wing and in defence, McGregor joined Eaglehawk after playing for Strathfieldsaye.
Matthew Merrett, Gisborne
One of the leading forwards for Gisborne. Has kicked 19 goals in 17 games and been in the best in almost half of the games he’s played.
Ricky Monti, Golden Square
After playing VFL last year for the GWS Giants, Monti has come back to Golden Square and helped them become a premiership threat. The midfielder has been in the best in 12 out of 19 games he’s played.
Tom Myers, Maryborough
The ruckman has had another good season in both the under-18s and seniors. Myers has played seven senior games, being in the best in three.
Jake Nihill, Sandhurst
The Bendigo Pioneer has played a handful of games for the ladder leaders as he transitions into senior footy. At 200cm, he can play in the ruck or as a key forward.
Ryan O’Keefe, Kangaroo Flat
Could be one of the favourites for the Kangaroo Flat best and fairest. The midfielder/running defender has been in the best in 15 of 17 games.
Jack O’Shannessy, Eaglehawk
Another gun young forward. O’Shannessy has impressed in his first year at Eaglehawk, kicking 19 goals in 12 games. An accurate kick for goal, the forward knows how to win a contest in the air and on the ground.
Francis Randall, Kyneton
The midfielder has impressed in his first full year of senior footy at the Tigers. A tackling and speedy player, Randall has played 11 games.
Tait Poyser, South Bendigo
The half back has been impressive for his new club. Playing all but one game, he’s been in the best in six times. Poyser has also played for the Bendigo Pioneers.
James Schischka, Strathfieldsaye
Has played a major role in the Storm forward line despite not kicking as many goals as last year. Schischka has kicked 30 goals in 19 games.
Jack Stewart, Golden Square
Stewart has averaged two goals a game for the club this season with 29 goals in 14 games. Been a part of one of the most dominant attacks in the competition.
Mitch Trewhalla, Kangaroo Flat
Made last year’s list and has been impressive again this year in the midfield. One of the leading players for the Kangaroos. Has played 16 games and been in the best in nine of them.
Braydon Vaz, Golden Square
Vaz has been one of the leading goalkickers in the competition with goals in 19 matches including eight against Maryborough.
Noah Walsh, Sandhurst
The midfielder has averaged almost a goal a game. Has played all but one game and been among the best in nine games.
Lachlan Wright, Sandhurst
In the top five goalkickers in the league with 45 majors in 18 games.In his first year with the Dragons.
Hamish Yunghanns, Kyneton
The tackling machine has been one of the best for Kyneton and is consistent as well.
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