Pioneers kick on to national draft combine

A GROUP of ten players from the La Trobe University Bendigo Pioneers program will kick on at next month’s AFL national and AFLW national and state combines in Melbourne.

Among those heading to the AFLW national draft on 4-6 October will be Pioneers’ team-mates Lucia Painter and Jemmika Douglas.

Painter’s outstanding play earned a scholarship in the Bendigo Sports Star of the Year awards for 2023.

The talented midfielder made her way to the Pioneers from the Winslow White Hills Demons.

Douglas was the Bendigo Health Young Indigenous Award recipient in last year’s Sports Star awards and joined the Pioneers after a stint with Bambill.

Moama’s Alexis Gregor from the Pioneers squad is also bound for the combine.

Days one and two involve clubs interviews at the MCG.

The third day at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre involves tests on vertical jump, running vertical jump, 20m sprint, agility test, and 2km time trial.

Another scholarship recipient of 2023, Lavina Cox is bound for the AFLW state combine on October 6 at MSAC.

A top basketballer, Cox has played footy for the Pioneers and Eaglehawk.

Sienna Hobbs from Eaglehawk, and Sasha Pearce from White Hills have also earned a call-up for the state combine.

Four young guns from the La Trobe University Bendigo Pioneers under-18s squad have earned selection for the AFL national draft combine on October 4 to 6 in Melbourne.

Sandhurst clubmates Archer Day-Wicks and Tobie Travaliga will be joined by Leitchville Gunbower’s James Barrat and Moama’s Jobe Shanahan.