We reveal more than 30 young guns performing well in Bendigo this year

Bendigo is full of talented young guns who have not only impressed this season but have also made their mark on the representative stage. See the best rising stars.

Despite having less clubs this season there is still plenty of talent in the Bendigo league.

From former Bendigo Pioneers to those who are rising through the ranks at their club, there are plenty performing well.

We’ve listed the best young guns in the competition this season.

Those who are playing full time in VFL or for the Bendigo Pioneers are not in the list.

Hugh Behrens, Strathfieldsaye

Made his debut last year and has played three senior matches this year. Behrens is a gun cricketer, making the Victoria Country under-17 team. Was selected to represent the league in the U19 representative clash against the VAFA.

Zach Bird, Kangaroo Flat

Bird has won the past two under-18 best and fairests at Kangaroo Flat and has transitioned to seniors with ease, being among the best players in a tough year for the club. Has played in a few positions including in defence, the wing and in attack.

Zach Bird continues to impress.

Xavier Carter, Gisborne

A former Bendigo Pioneer who played in defence last year and has played in the forward line this year. Carter has averaged a goal a game and been among the best in half of the games.

Jye Chambers, Strathfieldsaye

Moved to the Storm from Kyneton at the end of 2023 and played a few senior games in 2024, including some finals. Has been out for most of this year with a foot injury but was picked to play for Bendigo in the under-19 interleague.

Shane Clough, Gisborne

A versatile midfielder who impressed last year to sign by Essendon’s VFL team. He’s played for both the Bombers and the Bulldogs this year and played well, averaging a goal a game for Gisborne.

Xavier Coghill, Kangaroo Flat

A standout talent with a promising future according to the club. Coghill played his first senior games this year and has been among the best players in half of them.

Seb Collins, Sandhurst

Made the move from Maryborough to Sandhurst in the off-season and has been able to work his way into the senior team for the Dragons. Has been in the best players in a couple of games.

Jed Daniels, Strathfieldsaye

The midfielder has taken his game to another level after making his senior debut last season. He’s been among the best players in four games and was part of the Bendigo Pioneers in 2024. Played in the under-19 interleague team.

Jed Denahy, Gisborne

The cousin of former AFL player and superstar Dustin Martin. Capable of playing anywhere despite being almost 200cm tall. Has been among the best for Gisborne in almost every game he’s played.

Ollie Eaton, Golden Square

The son of Sunraysia legend Brad Eaton who won three premierships with Irymple and is now coaching Golden Square. Ollie has played a few senior games this season for the Bulldogs and was part of the under-19 interleague squad.

Henry Edwards, Sandhurst

A talented cricketer also, Edwards made his senior debut for Sandhurst this season and was selected in the Bendigo under-19 interleague team. Last year he was selected for Victoria Country at the under-19 cricket championships and plays for Carlton in Premier Cricket.

Will Elliott, Gisborne

Made the move from Sunbury to Gisborne in the off-season and played his first senior game this year.

Jack English, Sandhurst

Won last year’s competition under-18 best and fairest after a strong season in the midfield. This year, he’s played reserves and recently made his senior debut for the Dragons.

Lachlan Evans, Gisborne

Captained the under-18 team last year and was part of the 2023 premiership team in the same age group. Has played plenty of senior footy and can play in defence or in the midfield.

Lachlan Evans with Gisborne teammate James Gray.

Ryan Eyre, Castlemaine

The Collingwood VFL player has been among the best in almost all matches he’s played for Castlemaine this season. A tall defender, Eyre is one of the best young gun’s in the league and last year won the rookie of the year.

Jesse Gill, Golden Square

Made his senior debut this season. Last year, he played centre half back in the under-18s and this year he’s been playing as a back pocket. Was in Bendigo’s under-19 interleague squad.

James Gray, Gisborne

One of the best young midfielders in the Bendigo league. Has averaged a goal a game and more than 25 disposals a game. Was part of the Bendigo under-19 interleague squad and one of the key players for Gisborne.

Zachary Greeves, Castlemaine

Almost averages a goal a game and played for Sandringham earlier this year in the VFL. Has been one of the best players for the Magpies over the past two years he has been at the club.

Toby Hardingham, South Bendigo

A key player in the under-18 team the past two seasons and makes an impact around the ground. He recently made his senior debut for the Bloods and is part of the under-19 Bendigo interleague squad.

Toby Hardingham.

Chaz Holman, Castlemaine

Made his senior debut for the Magpies earlier this season and won the goalkicking award for Castlemaine in the under-18s last year.

Campbell Johns, Gisborne

Played in last year’s under-18 grand final and was one of the best in the loss. Made his senior debut this year and has played well in the seven games he has played.

Dylan Johnstone, Gisborne

A midfielder who knows how to kick a goal. Last year he was one of the best players on the wing and is playing more in the centre this season. Johnstone averages two goals a game and has been among the best in half of the games he has played.

Harrison Kelly, Golden Square

A young midfielder who is one of a few looking to help Golden Square rise up the ladder. Kelly made his senior debut last year and has held his spot this year, being among the best in almost half the games he has played.

Charlie King, Strathfieldsaye

A member of the Bendigo Pioneers who has also made a few appearances for Strathfieldsaye’s seniors. Has averaged almost a goal a game for the Storm and was part of the under-19 interleague squad.

Harry Luxmoore, Gisborne

Last year he kicked 59 goals in 19 games to be the leading forward at the Bulldogs. He hasn’t repeated the form this year in front of goal, only averaging more than one goal a game, but he’s still one of the best young forwards in the league.

Curtis McLennan, Castlemaine

Won the Kane Farrell rookie of the year award last year at Castlemaine in his first year of senior footy. McLennan has played a couple of games this year and was part of the Bendigo league under-19 interleague team.

Jack McMahon, Golden Square

One of the leaders already at the Bulldogs despite his young age. The former Bendigo Pioneer has been dangerous up forward, averaging a goal a game.

Aaron Melis, Kangaroo Flat

A half back with plenty of skill and strong game sense. Melis has been among the best in half of the games he’s played and kicked a couple of goals as well.

Oliver Morris, Sandhurst

Another young midfield gun for the Dragons. Knows how to accumulate the ball and tackle as well. Morris has played plenty of senior footy this year after playing for the Bendigo Pioneers in 2024.

Riley Mulquiny, Strathfieldsaye

Has been among the best in four games after making his debut last year. Played in defence during the finals and impressed. Can also kick a goal or two up forward if required.

Riley Mulquiny before his senior debut.

Aaron Nevins, Kangaroo Flat

The midfielder is one of the young guns looking help Kangaroo Flat rise up the ladder. Nevins has played a handful of matches for the Kangaroos and was part of the Bendigo under-19 interleague squad. A serious talent who knows who to find the footy with ease.

Jay Newman, Kangaroo Flat

A young leader at the club who is continuing to impress with his skills and dedication. Newman captained the under-18 team last year and has played a bit of senior footy this year.

Jack O’Shannessy, Eaglehawk

One of the best young forwards in the competition, averaging three goals a game for Eaglehawk. Was part of the under-19 Bendigo interleague squad.

Melvic Pambai, Golden Square

A powerful midfielder who played for the Bendigo Pioneers last year and was training with Richmond’s Next Generation Academy at the start of the year. Has played a couple of senior matches and was part of the under-19 Bendigo interleague squad.

Archer Rixon, Castlemaine

The Magpies junior made the extended interleague senior squad list last year and has been named for the under-19 team this year. Rixon has played a few senior games this season and has been part of the squad for three years after making his debut in 2023. Last year he won the under-18 best and fairest at Castlemaine.

Harrison Sheahan, Castlemaine

A versatile player who can play in defence and or up forward. After making his senior debut for the Magpies last year, he’s been able to hold his spot this year. He’s been among the best in half of his matches played and has kicked a few goals.

Nick Thompson, Eaglehawk

A talented junior who joined Eaglehawk from Charlton in the off-season. The Bendigo Pioneer, who can play in the midfield or as a key position forward, has played a couple of games in seniors for the Hawks this season.

Ollie Turnbull, South Bendigo

Made his first appearances in the senior team last year but hasn’t been able to replicate the form this season. He was selected as part of the under-19 interleague squad.

James Wilkinson, Golden Square

Finished second in the under-18 goalkicking last season and has made a couple of senior appearances this season. Has played predominantly in the forward line.

Alex Wingrave, Strathfieldsaye

Made his senior debut for the Storm recently, kicking a goal in his first match. Wingrave was part of the under-19 interleague team.

Originally published as We reveal more than 30 young guns performing well in Bendigo this year