VFL: Greater Western Sydney to set up Ovens & Murray training group

GWS Giants are making a foray into the Ovens & Murray region with opportunities for players and also fans. See what’s about to happen.

Greater Western Sydney will tap into one of the state’s strongest country footy areas to provide players with a chance to play VFL minus the costly expense of relocating to the harbour city.

The AFL club will announce shortly someone who will oversee a once-a-week session in Albury for players from Ovens & Murray and the wider region who want to have a crack at VFL level.

Giants general manager of football Jason McCartney said they would also play a VFL match in Albury this season to underline their commitment to making the “niche” concept work.

He said VFL reigning premiers Werribee had stolen the march on attracting players from the O&M and wider region.

Former Albury star Riley Bice was drafted to Sydney last year. Photo by Phil Hillyard

Werribee’s 2024 flag team included Riley Bice and Aiden Johnson, who were drafted to Sydney and Melbourne last November after beginning their careers at O&M clubs.

“We just want to have a stronger connection with that region with our VFL program,” McCartney said.

“Over the last couple of years we’ve tapped into the Sydney market.

“But it’s a thinner pool than what the Victorian clubs are tapping into, that’s for sure.

“We’ve had some Vic boys, who have just missed out on the draft the last couple of years, relocate, which they love, but it just presents a lot of challenges.

“If you’re on a VFL contract and trying to live in Sydney, that ain’t going to work.”

GWS general manager of football Jason McCartney. Picture: David Caird

The person appointed to oversee the Albury hub will also become part of the VFL coaching panel under head coach Wayne Cripps.

“The players who want to be involved don’t have to upset anything they are doing with their work or study, but at the same time they get a taste of some VFL,” McCartney said.

“We are adamant we will give up one of our home games to play it in Albury.

“When you look at Werribee the last couple of years they are well and truly onto it.

“We just thought there was a nice little niche there to provide an option for players in that area that suits both parties’ needs really.

“It’s a really strong footy region.”

The last time the O&M region had a direct link to a VFL club was the short-lived Murray Kangaroos in the early 2000s.

Originally published as VFL: Greater Western Sydney to set up Ovens & Murray training group