BFNL under-18 inter squad gets to work

BFNL under-18 interleague coach Jason Stevens has hailed the composition of his initial 38-player training squad as a reflection of the talent and potential across the competition.

The squad, which includes players from all nine league clubs, including newcomers Broadford, has been assembled following strong performances across the first three rounds of BFNL action.

An eventual team of 22 players and three emergencies will be chosen to represent the BFNL against Ovens and Murray on 23 May following the squad’s third training session on 17 May.

The squad includes several Bendigo Pioneers-listed players yet to appear at Coates Talent League level so far this season and trained for the first time on Wednesday this week at Camp Reserve in Castlemaine.

Golden Square and Strathfieldsaye are best represented in the squad with six players each.

Sandhurst and South Bendigo each has five representatives and Castlemaine and Gisborne four.

Stevens, reappointed after leading the BFNL into interleague battle last season at the QEO against the Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA), said the squad highlighted the depth of emerging talent within the BFNL.

“The depth of talent across the Bendigo FNL is really visible in our initial 38-player squad,” he said.

“We’ve got players from every club and a number already playing senior footy, so there’s a strong foundation for us to build a competitive team.

“The dynamic with under-18 players also in the elite pathway program can be challenging with these rep games.

“We have a solid working relationship with the Pioneers and have included a number of Bendigo Pioneers-listed players who haven’t yet played Coates Talent League footy this season.

“If those boys are selected at that level in the coming weeks, they’ll drop out of our program, which could open up opportunities for others across the league.

“We’re confident this group can be highly competitive.

“The focus now is on bringing them together, building connection and preparing well for the challenge ahead.”

Players will now enter a structured training program as the coaching panel works towards final team selection.

BFNL manager Tom King said the BFNL under-18 program continued to play a vital role in player development, providing a clear pathway for junior footballers to experience a high-performance environment and showcase their abilities on a broader stage.

The BFNL has appointed Brendan Stewart as team manager.

Key dates going forward include:

13 May: Training session at Dower Park, Kangaroo Flat, at 5.30pm.

17 May: Final 25-player squad finalised, including 22 players and three emergencies.

19 May: Training session at Queen Elizabeth Oval at 5.30pm.

21 May: Training session at Queen Elizabeth Oval at 5.30pm.

21 May: Whole of league jumper and dress presentation.

23 May: Match day v Ovens and Murray at the QEO.

Under-18 interleague training squad: Angus Hoyne, Jabe Brown (Broadford), Alex Welch, Ben Jardine, Oliver Britt, Oscar Giddings (Castlemaine), Blaine Schelfhout, Jamieson Webster, Ali Gill (Eaglehawk), Harvey Meacham, Kobe Zerafa, Riley Evans, Will Elliot (Gisborne), Archie Eaton, Billy Buhagiar, Josh Kelly, Mack Skinner, Ryan Brown, Xavier Grant (Golden Square), Harrison Jackman, Lachy Chambers, Brayden Franken (Kangaroo Flat), Lachlan McKay, Harry Byrne, Hudson Banfield, Miller Armstong, Nick Long (Sandhurst), Anthony Gray, Lachlan Magee, Logan Howell, Harry Purcell, Louis Eddy (South Bendigo), Archie Stevens, Jesse Webster, Riley O’Donnell, Seamus Doherty, Will Bartlett, Zeke Cousins (Strathfieldsaye).