Victorian coach Gerard FitzGerald will have a well-balanced and versatile team at his disposal for this Saturday’s big state clash with rivals South Australia.
VFL selectors have chosen an exciting blend of youth and experience that will be well-equipped to topple the SANFL at the Adelaide Oval at 2.10pm (EST) on Saturday (ABC TV 2pm).
Victoria’s captain is Brett Johnson and vice-captain is James Podsiadly.
There are 18 new faces and among the notable inclusions are lightning quick Port Melbourne forward Robin Nahas, Williamstown midfielder David Stretton and red-hot Rooster ruckman Orren Stephenson.
But the Big V will be without some stars from last year’s 119-point demolition of the WAFL.
Last year’s captain James Byrne, nine-goal hero Nicholas Sautner and Sandringham captain Peter Summers have all been ruled out through injury.
Despite the forced withdrawals, AFL Victoria Operations Manager John Hook believed the Victorian squad had all bases covered.
“In any state representative game, you pick the best side with the players you have available,” Hook said.
“Players have been picked on form and fitness. Obviously, when you cut back a 36-man squad there’s going to be good players who miss out.
“It’s all subjective but the selection process has been sound.”
Hook said the side was versatile with players able to fill several positions.
“It’s always hard to win on the road so we need players who can run hard and work hard,” he said.
“It’s a great experience for the players to play on one of the great grounds in Australia (the Adelaide Oval).”
“There’s no doubt Victoria versus South Australia is the greatest rivalry in footy.”
The next VFL training session is tomorrow night (Thursday 29th May) at TEAC Oval, Port Melbourne at 6pm.
Last Modified on 13/01/2009 13:04