Tim Michell
KARL Brown and Hayden Blythe will get a chance to impress recruiters during the Under-18 National Championships after being named in the Vic Metro squad which was unveiled on Tuesday.
Brown, who has booted 26 goals from eight games for Calder this year to sit second on the TAC Cup goal kicking table, was the only over-age player chosen to represent the Big V.
Cannons talent manger Ian Kyte said the Essendon Doutta Stars junior's selection vindicated his efforts to improve his fitness and have greater influence on games after being listed as a 19-year-old.
"Browny has come from a boy that wasn’t in the 16s, didn’t get invited in as a 17-year-old because he was unfit and has really turned his body shape around," Kyte said.
"Now he’s going to get himself a really big chance to showcase what he can do against the best players in Australia and push himself up to the AFL clubs."
Brown's inclusion in the metro squad continued a strong history of top-age success at Rams Arena.
In recent years, Jayden Foster (Carlton) and Callum Moore (Richmond) have been drafted after returning to the Cannons as 19-year-old players.
"I think it’s a big tick and recognition for us as a club too that when we do select under-19 kids they’re the right kids," Kyte said.
"Cal Moore and Jayden Foster, we’re getting kids rookied or drafted (who) didn’t have a chance to be pushed up."
"They’re certainly the right kids."
Blythe, a Glenroy junior, has grown in confidence and showcased his blistering pace since being shifted to half back by Calder coach Andrew Johnston.
"It’s fantastic for him, he's worked really hard as a 16, 17-year-old who we always knew had ability," Kyte said.
"He had to learn how good he could possibly be and learn to work a bit harder.
"If he was able to apply himself and work really hard, there was going to be an opportunity that he could finish up better than just a good TAC Cup player."
Vic Metro's first match of the Under-18 National Championships is on Monday, June 13 against Vic Country at Simonds Stadium.
Calder Cannons return to Rams Arena on Saturday to take on Oakleigh Chargers. The first bounce is 11.30am.
For the latest news from the club, like Calder Cannons Football Club on Facebook or follow us @caldercannonsfc on Twitter.
Last Modified on 01/08/2016 10:26