BFNL young guns primed for VAFA clash

BENDIGO Football Netball League under-19 interleague football coach Jason Stevens says he has been impressed by the commitment of the playing group for this Sunday’s clash against the Victorian Amateur Football Association (VAFA) at the QEO.

The league announced a squad of 26 players on Monday morning, from which a final team of 23 and three emergencies will be chosen after two final training sessions this week on Wednesday and Friday.

It features one notable omission in clever Eaglehawk forward Jack O’Shannessy, whose excellent form for the Hawks has earned him in a call-up to the senior interleague squad coached by Simon Rosa.

Stevens fully-endorsed his promotion.

“Jack’s selection in the senior team says a lot about his form at club level and he deserves the best opportunities to showcase his talents on the big stage,” he said.

The squad of 26 includes representatives from seven of the league’s eight clubs.

Strathfieldsaye is the best represented with six players, followed by Sandhurst with five. Golden Square and Kangaroo Flat have four each.

Stevens could not be more impressed with how the squad has come together and how it represented the very best emerging talent from across the BFNL.

“We’ve been really impressed with the level of talent and the way the boys have bought into the program,” he said.

“They’ve trained hard, challenged each other, and there’s a really strong sense of pride about representing the BFNL.”

The team will be led by captain James Gray, from Gisborne, whose strong leadership qualities and consistent performance have made him a standout figure within the group.

He will be supported by Jack McMahon (Golden Square) and Aaron Nevins (Kangaroo Flat) as vice-captains.

“James (Gray) has been a natural leader from day one, and the support from Jack and Aaron gives us a really solid leadership core,” Stevens said.

“We’re confident this group will represent the league with passion and professionalism.”

The 19-and-under clash kicks-off at 11.30am on Sunday.

BFNL under-19 interleague team: Archie Rixon, Curtis McClennan (Castlemaine); Campbell Johns, James Gray, Lachlan Evans (Gisborne) Jack McMahon, Melvic Pambai, Ollie Eaton, Jimmy Wilkinson (Golden Square), Aaron Nevins, Jay Newman, Xav Coghill, Zach Bird (Kangaroo Flat), Henry Edwards, Jack English, Jake Austin, Jaxon Howard, Oscar Cail (Sandhurst), Ollie Turnbull, Toby Hardingham (South Bendigo), Charlie King, Hugh Behrens, Jed Daniels, Joe Hayes, Jye Chambers, Charlie King (Strathfieldsaye).