Murray Bushrangers, Dandenong Stingrays well represented in under 16s squads

There is plenty of exciting talent to ensure the future of AFL footy is in good hands after the Vic Metro and Vic Country squads were named for the upcoming champs. SEE THE TEAMS.

A crop of future AFL stars have been unveiled after the Vic Country and Metro squads were named for the upcoming under 16 National Development Championships.

Vic Metro coach Travis Cloke will have 30 players to choose from while Vic Country officials, who will led by three-time Geelong premiership player David Wojcinski will have 28 players to choose from.

The first match will see the two Victorian sides square off at Ikon Park on Saturday from 11am.

Among those vying to be selected are a quartet of Murray Bushrangers young guns including Joe Berry.

“He’s a really neat small forward,” Bushrangers coach Mark Brown said.

“He’s got all the fundamentals for the position and is always a dangerous threat around goals.”

Oliver Warburton, who boards at Caulfield Grammar, has also been selected.

The Shepparton Swans product is a tough inside midfielder according to his coach.

“Oli has a knock for continuing to find the footy,” Brown said.

“I think he’s one of those guys who will really benefit from this experience.”

Oliver Warburton has been named in the Vic Country squad. Photo: Martin Keep/AFL Photos.

Matt Whitlock and Zac Harding are the other two Bushrangers players to have earned nominations in the side.

“Matt is a guy who can play as a key position player at either end — but I think he will spend more time in defence at the Championships,” Brown said.

“Zac is everything you want in a developing ruckman. He marks the ball well and competes in every contest.”

The Sandringham Dragons have the greatest number of representatives of any NAB League side in the Metro squad with nine players selected.

They include Zach Travers, Levi Ashcroft, Harrison Oliver, Sam Marshall, Luke Trainor, Angus Phillips, Harry Armstrong, Sam Fanning and Luka Pecer.

Meanwhile, Gippsland Power has six players in the Country squad including Xavier Lindsay, James Lewis, Jasper Alger, Max Stobie, Asher Eastham and Harrison Canning.

VIC METRO SQUAD

1. Luke Wilson, Vermont

2. Isaac Kako, Pascoe Vale

3. Jayden Nguyen, Aberfeldie

4. Jack Ryan, Woori Yallock

5. Patrick Said, Sunbury Lions

6. Damon Hollow, Westmeadows

7. Lucas McInerney, Heidelberg

8. Jagga Smith, Hawthorn Citizens

9. Zach Travers, Brighton Beach

10. Levi Ashcroft, St Kilda City

11. Nash King, Wallan

12. Will Ransom, Hawthorn Citizens

13, Tom Gross. Kew Rovers

14. Harrison Oliver, St Bedes

15. Christian Moraes, Glen Waverley

16. Zak Johnson, St Mary‘s

17. Ty Kitchell, St Marys

18. Lucca Grego, Bacchus Marsh

19. Sam Marshall, St Bedes

20. Luke Trainor, St Kilda City

21. Jackson Daley, Williamstown

22. Angus Phillips, East Malvern

23. Riley White, Park Orchards

24. Tadhg McCarthy, Kew Rovers

25. Harry Armstrong, Ormond

26. Josh Smillie, Park Orchards

27. Sam Fanning, Brighton Beach

28. Harry O‘Farrell, Maribyrnong Park

29. Roman Black, Ivanhoe

30. Luka Pecer, Beaumaris

VIC COUNTRY SQUAD

1. Joe Berry. Benalla

2. Oliver Warburton, Shepparton Swans

3. Xavier Lindsay, Inverloch Kongwak

4. Finn O‘Sullivan, Koroit

5. William White, Dromana

6. James Lewis, Wonthaggi Power

7. Xavier Ivisic, Geelong Amateur

8. Oliver Hannaford, East Point

9. Jasper Alger, Warragul

10. Max Stobie, Maffra

11. Lachie Jaques, St Mary‘s

12. Archie Caldow, East Point

13. Tobie Travaglia, Sandhurst

14. Jack Ough, Wentworth

15. Asher Eastham, Heyfield

16. Sam Lalor, Bacchus Marsh

17. Harrison Canning, Berwick

18. Brady Hall, Colac

19. Noah Mraz, Narre North Foxes

20. Angus Morrison, St Joseph‘s

21. Jonty Faull, Redan

22. James Barrat, Leitchville Gunbower

23. Matt Whitlock, Shepparton

24. Jordan Waters, Beaconsfield

25. Flynn Penry, Cobden

26. Jack Winsor, Mt Martha

27. Zac Mcinnes, St Joseph’s

28. Zac Harding, Wodonga