We reveal more than 30 young guns performing well in the Ovens and Murray this year

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

It’s one of, if not the strongest competitions in country footy and this year the Ovens and Murray is close again.

But who are the young guns making their mark in the competition?

We’ve compiled more than 30 young guns who have been playing well in senior footy or are on the rise to become strong senior players of the future.

The list doesn’t include those who are playing regularly at the Murray Bushrangers or those who are on VFL lists playing week in, week out.

Check out the list below.

Reuben Bourke, Wodonga

A key tall, who can play in defence and attack, and has played well for Wodonga this year. He’s averaged more than a goal a game for the Bulldogs. Last year, he was a key defender for the Murray Bushrangers.

Max Byrne, Albury

The defender has only recently returned after two months off. One of the best young defenders in the competition and has impressed since his senior debut in 2023.

Thomas Cappellari, Myrtleford

Represented Ovens and Murray in interleague this year and has helped Myrtleford rise up the ladder. The outside midfielder has also played for North Melbourne VFL.

Ben Coghill, Yarrawonga

Capable of playing in defence and attack and is part of GWS’ VFL team. Coghill played a major part in Yarrawonga’s 2023 premiership and grand final appearance in 2024. This year, he’s averaging a goal a game for the Pigeons in the Ovens and Murray league.

Jack Costello, Lavington

One of the best young guns in the competition. Last year he was the Ovens and Murray rising star winner and won Lavington’s best and fairest. This year he has continued his form this year to help Lavington to the top. The midfielder has been among the best in nine of 14 games and represented the Ovens and Murray in interleague.

Isaac Dickinson, Corowa Rutherglen

Made his senior debut last year and is a key forward at the Kangaroos. Has averaged a goal a game in the Thirds this season and will be looking to play seniors again soon.

John Dove, Wodonga

A young gun with pace to burn and composure beyond his years. He recently made his senior debut and has now played four games.

Dominic Dunstan, Albury

Made his senior debut this year, on the same day his sister made her debut in A-grade netball for the Tigers. Has averaged almost a goal a game in Thirds this season and has played three senior games.

Jayden Forge

Jayden Forge, Corowa Rutherglen

Recently made his senior debut for the Kangaroos in the Ovens and Murray league and was part of the under-18 interleague side. In the Thirds he’s been in the best players in almost every match he’s played.

Archer Gardiner, North Albury

Been the best under-21 player at the Hoppers for the past two years, winning the award in 2023 and 2024. Can play on the wing or as an inside midfielder and was one of the best in interleague for Ovens and Murray. He recently played his first VFL game for Werribee.

Foster Gardiner, North Albury

A midfielder who knows how to put pressure on the opposition. Has played a handful of matches for Werribee in the VFL off the back of good form, Gardiner has been in the best in five of seven matches and is averaging almost a goal a game.

Jack Hazeldine, Myrtleford

Made his senior debut in June after playing well for the Saints in Thirds and reserves. In reserves he’s averaging a goal a game and kicked a goal on debut in seniors against North Albury.

Harrison Hewitt, Wangaratta

Recently played interleague and has been one of the best for the Magpies this season. This is his first full-time senior season at Wangaratta after playing for the Murray Bushrangers.

Billy Hilton, Albury

A bottom-aged Murray Bushrangers player who recently made his senior debut in the Ovens and Murray league. Represented Victoria Country last year in the under-16 national championships.

Xavier Laverty, Wangaratta

The key forward has averaged more than two goals a season and was part of the Ovens and Murray interleague team. The former Murray Bushranger has improved this season.

Patrick Lavis, Corowa Rutherglen

One of the best forwards for the Kangaroos this year, averaging almost a goal a game. Returned after playing in the Hume league in 2024.

Justin Lewis, Wangaratta Rovers

Helped the Rovers to win the premiership last year, kicking 16 goals in 22 games. This year’s he’s been helping the Rovers to top spot on the ladder.

Jedd Longmire, Corowa Rutherglen

Currently plays with Werribee in the VFL. The on-baller had a strong season last year, making interleague for Ovens and Murray and being among the best for the Kangaroos.

Tex Longmire, Corowa Rutherglen

The nephew of former North Melbourne player and Sydney Swans coach John Longmire. He made his senior debut for Corowa Rutherglen last year and has made a few appearances this year alongside his brother Jedd. He’s also part of the Calder Cannon Coates Talent League team.

Alex McCarthy, Wangaratta Rovers

A small forward who kicked 27 goals last year to help the Rovers to the premiership. This year, he’s averaging just under a goal a game. McCarthy during the off-season played with PINT in the Northern Territory, impressing up north in his first season in the league.

Ashton McPherson, Myrtleford

Injuries have cruelled McPherson with the teenager ruled out for the rest of the year after playing only two senior games. McPherson, who plays in defence and in the midfield, was a Murray Bushranger last year and was hoping to impress the Saints in his first full time season before injury struck.

Christian Moncrieff.

Christian Moncrieff, North Albury

Recently made his senior debut after impressive performances in the reserves and Thirds. Moncrieff also represented Ovens and Murray in the under-18 interleague match against Goulburn Valley.

Josh Murphy, North Albury

Kicked 32 goals for the Murray Bushrangers last year. This year he’s carried on the goalkicking boots, dominating in the Ovens and Murray league. Murphy is second in the goalkicking in the competition and kicked six goals for Ovens and Murray in the interleague win over Goulburn Valley.

Nicholas Newton, Lavington

The former North Melbourne VFL player has been one of the best of the Panthers this year. With elite top speed and a great kick on both legs, Newton is a talent. Has been in the best players in more than half of his matches and is almost averaging a goal a game.

Tom O’Sullivan, Wodonga

The younger brother of Wodonga Bulldogs coach Jack. O’Sullivan has impressed in the midfield after joining from Greensborough in the off-season. He’s averaging almost a goal a game and has been in the best consistently. Played in interleague as well.

Tom O’Sullivan

Branden Parkin, Wodonga

Leads the goalkicking in the Thirds this season, averaging more than three goals a game. He recently made his senior debut for the Bulldogs, kicking two goals, and played in the under-18 interleague game. Was also rewarded with a Murray Bushrangers debut.

William Robertson, Wodonga Raiders

Has played multiple senior games and was part of the Ovens and Murray under-18 team in interleague.

Noah Scholte, Wangaratta Rovers

Has been a major part of the Rovers since making his senior debut earlier this year. Scholte helped the Rovers win the Thirds premiership last year and was part of the Ovens and Murray interleague under-18 team.

Boston Sheridan, Wodonga Raiders

Already playing seniors in his first year of Thirds. Last year he helped the Raiders win the under-16 premiership. This year, he continued his rise, playing a few games in the seniors and playing for the Ovens and Murray in the under-18 interleague.

Alex Swinnerton, Lavington

Can play as a small forward or a midfielder. Has impressed for Lavington, averaging a goal a game, and helping them to become a premiership threat. He recently made his debut for GWS in the VFL and kicked three goals.