MANY pockets in the Bendigo Pioneers Football Club’s region are represented in a new rookie squad ahead of the 2016 AFL Victoria TAC Cup under-18s season.
Clubs featured in the rookie squad of 40 include Boort, Kyabram, Pyramid Hill, Colbinabbin, Tyntynder, Woorinen, Woomelang, Mildura Imperials, and Nyah.
Rising stars from Sandhurst, Strathfieldsaye, Eaglehawk, South Bendigo and Golden Square were also chosen.
Bendigo Pioneers coach Brett Henderson said the rookie squad was aimed at fast-tracking development and providing more opportunities for players.
“Some of the players in the rookie squad could be added to the main list before the season starts, or during the season. There are a lot of factors to consider.”
Henderson also urged those who missed out on selection to not give up.
“Our recruiting team and network spotters will be at a lot of matches.
“Their feedback will be important, not just for the lead-up to next season but for seasons to follow.”
Satellite training squads will continue in Swan Hill, Mildura and the North Central region.
The rookie squad will train with the main under-18s squad across pre-season and during the season.
“We believe we have a great mix of talent,” Henderson said of the main list and rookie list.
“Versatility and adapting to change will be crucial. It’s not just about being able to play one position, but the ability to adapt to two, three or maybe more roles.”
Pre-season training starts on November 13 at Epsom-Huntly Reserve.
Bendigo Pioneers rookie list:
Connor Soraggi, Balranald. Nathan Twigg, Boort. Will Lowe, Colbinabbin. Sam Dean, Koby Hommelhoff, Joel Mullen, Eaglehawk. Tyler Phillips, Echuca. Brock Harvey, Jordan Rosengren, Golden Square. Mitchell Booth, Josh Nitschke, Kerang. Luke Darling, Ben McDonnell, Curt Ryan, Dom Watt, Kyabram.
Brady Hore, Leitchville-Gunbower. Toby Sims, Macedon. Brady Fordham, Mallee Eagles. Riley Burns, Mildura. Tyson Whitford, Mildura Imperials. Mitchell Eade, Clay McGregor, Sam McHale, Jeremy Paine, Clay Poidevan, Jack Russell, Moama. Jayden Bourchard, Nyah. Steven Gunther, Pyramid Hill. Bailey Wileman, Rochester.
Jack Bouwmeester, Darby Graham, Connor Hamilton, Billy Robertson, Seb Spijkerman Sandhurst. Will Keck, South Bendigo. Harley Durward, St Arnaud. David Simpson, Strathfieldsaye. Patrick Crowe, Tyntynder. Wade Donnan, Woomelang. Jose Miliado, Woorinen.
Last Modified on 19/10/2015 11:50
