We reveal more than 30 young guns performing well in the Goulburn Valley this year

The Goulburn Valley league continues to produce talented young guns who are making a big impact on the league. We list the rising stars of 2025.

The Goulburn Valley league might have been dominated by Echuca in recent years but there have been plenty of young guns shining across the competition.

From goalkicking gems to dominating midfielders, there’s stars across the ground.

We’ve compiled more than 30 of the best young guns this season.

Those who play for the Murray Bushrangers and Bendigo Pioneers full time or have played a senior game have not be included.

Check out the list below.

James Auld, Shepparton Swans

Can play in a variety of roles and last year was involved with the Essendon VFL team. Auld has become a goalkicking force this season with 28 in 12 games including two bags of six.

Charlie Barnett, Kyabram

The rising forward has been one of the best for Kyabram with 40 goals in 14 games. A former Vic Country U18 representative who played in the GV’s senior interleague team this season.

Hugh Byrne, Echuca

One of the best young forwards in the league. Has averaged over three goals a game and has kicked three or more goals in six games. The former Bendigo Pioneer has been a key focal point for the Murray Bombers.

Ned Byrne, Shepparton

The midfielder is part of Collingwood’s VFL team and played for the Goulburn Valley in interleague. For the Bears he was the best first year player in 2023 and played in last year’s grand final.

Logan Campbell, Mooroopna

Enjoying a fine season inside the Cats’ forward 50 with 30 goals in 13 games so far. He’s already eclipsed his tally of 21 in 2024.

Logan Campbell.

Joeve Cooper, Shepparton Swans

Capable of playing in attack as a small forward or on the wing. Cooper is averaging a goal a game in his first full season at the Swans. Last year, he trained with Norwood in the SANFL before returning to the Swans midway through the season.

Dylan Davis, Seymour

Made his debut for the Lions this year and was player of the finals for Seymour in the under-18s last season. Was part of Goulburn Valley’s interleague under-18 team who lost to Ovens and Murray. Been a super consistent performer at U18 level.

Rory Duffy, Shepparton Swans

Played in the under-18 interleague match. Primarily used as a small forward, Duffy has built on the two senior games he played last season. One of the emerging young leaders at the Swans.

Rory Duffy.

Sam Edgar, Echuca

Stepped up in the absence of others with injuries. Has averaged a goal a game in his first full season of senior footy.

Oscar Emanuelli, Mooroopna

One of the young guns impressing for the Cats this year. Has made the last two under-18 interleague teams and has played 14 senior games this year.

Cooper Gracie, Benalla

Has transitioned to senior footy well after returning to the Saints from Wangaratta Rovers in the off-season. Has been among the goalkickers and earned several mentions in the best.

Hugh Hamilton, Rochester

The twin brother of former AFL player Cooper, who also plays for Rochester. The forward has been a standout for the Tigers with 33 goals in 13 games.

Lachlan Hogan, Echuca

He’s played just seven games for the Murray Bombers but there have been plenty of signs of promise for Hogan who is on Essendon’s VFL list.

Callan Howell, Euroa

Has played his first senior games this year and was the only Euroa player to be selected in the under-18 interleague squad. Howell has been in the best players in every game he’s played in the U18s this season.

Charlie Isaac, Kyabram

Made his senior debut for the Bombers earlier this year. Is a tall, strong, key player who has played well in the U18s and represented Goulburn Valley in the interleague.

Kobie Issell, Mooroopna

A small forward who has speed to burn. In 14 games this season, he’s kicked 22 goals including a bag of seven against Tatura.

Kade James, Mooroopna

Played a heap of senior footy last year and represented Goulburn Valley in under-18 interleague. James has played a handful of senior games this year.

Hudson Kellett, Echuca

A former Bendigo Pioneer who made his senior debut for Echuca. Kellett has averaged more than two goals a game in the U18s and played interleague.

Oscar Lambourn.

Oscar Lambourn, Shepparton

A talented sportsman. Lambourn is a very good cricketer too and has impressed for the Bears this year. Was part of the under-18 interleague squad and has been a major part of the senior team for Shepparton. The utility also played in last year’s grand final for the Bears against Echuca.

Lewis Lubeck, Seymour

A livewire forward who is a consistent danger to opposition defenders. Able to bob up with multiple goals in a game if given the opportunity.

Zac Metcalf, Shepparton

A forward who knows how to take high flying marks. Against Mansfield earlier this season he took a screamer. Metcalf also averages more than a goal a game.

Charlie Murdoch, Tatura

One of the leading young gun midfielders at the Bulldogs. Has been among the best in more than half of the games he’s played this season.

Declan Newbound, Shepparton United

Won the best first player of the year in 2023 and continues to improve year on year. Has been among the best players in six games this season.

Sam O’Brien, Shepparton Bears

Was the captain of the Goulburn Valley interleague under-18 team this year and recently made his senior debut. Last year he was the best under-18 player for the Bears, winning the club best and fairest.

Cohen Paul, Euroa

Been one of the best players for the Magpies this season. Has been among the best in almost all matches including one game where he had 37 disposals, which included 23 intercept possessions. Paul is capable of playing in the middle or in the backline. He is known for his ability to intercept mark and set up play in attack.

Caidan Phillips, Shepparton United

Moved to United at the start of the season from the Shepparton Swans and has impressed in defence. Recently made the interleague team and has played all but one game.

Liam Rachele, Shepparton Swans

The brother of Adelaide Crows small forward Josh. Liam has averaged just under a goal a game and has kicked three goals in two matches this season.

Nate Rasmussen, Rochester

The midfielder continues to be a major part of the engine room at Rochester. He has shown his goalkicking ability throughout the season.

Caden Ratcliffe, Mooroopna

The Murray Bushranger recently played in interleague and has also made a couple of senior appearances for Mooroopna. A talented defender who has recently played well for the Coates Talent League outfit.

Liam Serra, Shepparton United

Becoming a leader of the club and a reliable part of the team. Serra last year played his 50th senior match and didn’t miss one game since making his debut. Can play at half back or up the ground and knows how to win the ball. Is also averaging more than a goal a game this season.

Steele Simpson, Shepparton Swans

Had a breakout season last year in front of goal and has booted 23 in 11 senior games this season.

Adam Storer, Mansfield

Was the fourth leading goalkicker in the U18s last year and is among the top goalkickers this year in the league. Storer played interleague and the forward also made his senior debut for the Eagles last year.

Liam Teague, Shepparton

Made his senior debut in the middle of the season and has been able to keep his spot in the side. Played in under-18 interleague and is a talented and skilful footballer according to the Bears.

Oliver Warburton, Shepparton Swans

A running machine who has played off half back and in the middle, Warburton has been one of the best for the Swans this year. The Swans have been able to use him to help them push towards finals this year. He is also part of the Carlton VFL team.

Archie Watt, Kyabram

He represented the GVL in interleague and had 23 disposals to be one of the leading players. Watt also played for the Bendigo Pioneers and was best and fairest for Xavier College in school footy. Watt is also averaging almost two goals a game. A player who can play in the middle and in the forward line.

Joshua Winkler, Shepparton United

Made his senior debut for the Demons last year after moving to the club from the Shepparton Swans. Winkler made the Goulburn Valley under-18 interleague and is the vice-captain of the United under-18 team. Winkler has also played seniors this season.