By JAMES BRESNEHAN
Tasmania is the reigning division two champion, but has yet to register a win against a division one team.
Fresh from downing Vic Metro last weekend, Vic Country's assault on the Mariners will be led by John Butcher, tipped as the No. 1 draft selection this year.
The 197cm key forward from Gippsland is a talented tall and AFL scouts see him as a future centre half-forward.
Another Vic Country tall in the same mould, Alex Keath of Murray-Shepparton, will miss the match with a groin strain, but ruckman Nathan Vardy of Gippsland, is strongly tipped as a first-round draft pick, as is highly-rated small forward-cum-onballer Farran Priest.
The other player to watch is exciting redhead Gary Rohan of Geelong-Cobden, an explosive half-forward in the mould of another Cat, Steve Johnson.
AFL recruiters are expected to be out in force at Bellerive.
Vic Country talent manager Leon Harris said he was sure a lot of clubs would have people at the game.
``If the boys play well in any of the national championship games it's a step in the right direction for them,'' Harris said.
``Every one of them will want to play well and they will want to play well as a team too.
``We are here to make sure we play well as a team.
``That's the focus -- the team before the individual.''
Harris said it was a big stage for the Tasmanian draft hopefuls.
``It's a great opportunity for all the players, especially the Tasmanians,'' he said.
Tasmanian players hoping to get drafted include Ryan Hardwood (Glenorchy), Joseph Groenewegen (Launceston) and Jesse Crichton (North Launceston).
Three other Mariners of note are Maverick Weller (Burnie), Luke Russell (Burnie) and Rhys Mott (Devonport).
Last Modified on 07/06/2009 09:39