After nearly a 12-month hiatus, the famous colours of the Murray Bushrangers will be out in action when they take on country rivals Bendigo Pioneers at Yarrawonga on Saturday.
Plenty has changed since the last time the Bushies fronted up in a NAB League match in March.
The age group has been raised from under-18 to 19, while the finals series will be split into metro and country conferences.
The top-four Vic Country/Tasmania and top-four Vic metro sides will qualify for finals.
Bushrangers assistant coach Mario de Santa-ana said he and the players could not wait to get out there and have footy back.
“It has been a long time coming. Personally, I'm so excited and raring to go and I know the other coaches and all the players are the same,” he said.
“I think it'll be the same feeling for everyone.
“It's a slightly different format this year, there's been a bit of a restructure.
“They have synchronised it to run with the AFLW, so we start and finish around the same time as them. It's a nine-round season which includes a bye and finals run for three weeks.
“And there will be a break over Easter for the under-17 and under-19 national championships. We have got some quality players who I believe will be strong chances to feature in the championships.”
A host of district talent will again be on display in the Bushrangers’ squad, with 10 players from the Goulburn Valley represented.
Shepparton United's Kate Adams returns to captain the side and will be joined by Demons teammates Kasey Boschetti, Molly Kennedy, Aurora Smith and Finley product Lily Sharp.
Joining the United quintet is Nathalia's Cody Power, Shepparton's Ashleigh Pimlott and Tatura's Sarah Lange-Richards.
While Benalla twins and Shepparton Swans products Tayissa and Madison Gray round out the list.
“I'm pretty confident with our chances this year,” de Santa-ana said.
“Hoping to grab some wins, but more importantly, hoping to get some AFLW draftees at the end of the year.
“With a bit of luck hopefully we get away with a win this weekend.”
There will be two Moama products suiting up in the Bendigo Pioneers’ squad.
Jayda Richardson, who has been named in the Pioneers’ leadership group, and Madison Elliott will run out on Saturday.
● Murray Bushrangers take on Bendigo Pioneers at Yarrawonga's JC Lowe Oval at 12.15pm.
District players in Murray Bushrangers’ under-19 girls squad
Cody Power (Nathalia)Ashleigh Pimlott (Shepparton)Kasey Boschetti (Shepparton United)Molly Kennedy (Shepparton United)Aurora Smith (Shepparton United)Kate Adams (Shepparton United)Lily Sharp (Shepparton United)Tayissa Gray (Shepparton Swans)Madison Gray (Shepparton Swans)Sarah Lange-Richards (Tatura)
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