Brothers book berth in Talent League

After not being able to trial for a slot in the squad at the end of last year, the brothers — cousins of Port Adelaide key defender Esava Ratugolea — were elated to receive the confirmation email last week.

“It was a bit nerve-racking sitting there, waiting for the email to come at six o’clock,” Degei said.

“We doubted we’d make it because we didn’t play the full pre-season, like the rest of the team.

“Everyone had already done four or five sessions before us, so we doubted our chances of making it.”

Krause and Degei will be joining a group of players from across the district, including Nathalia’s Baz McDonald, Numurkah’s Harrison Moon, Yarrawonga’s Ryder Stevens and Mulwala’s Oliver Watson.

But the brothers are no strangers to Wangaratta’s Norm Minns Oval, where the Bushrangers train.

Last year, Krause, 16, and Degei, 17, along with schoolmate Codi Bowden, were named in the under-16 and under-18 teams respectively.

Hampered by injury, Degei was relegated to the sidelines for much of the Bushrangers’ season.

But things are different this time around for the brothers. While both Krause and an uninjured Degei will train and play with the under-18s squad, Degei has also booked himself a berth in the Richmond Academy.

Degei said he was keen to use the opportunity to strengthen his knowledge of the game.

“I hope to get fitter over this Bushies season, and also be a lot smarter with the ball,” he said.

“I play a lot of half forward, and played it in the practice match for Bushies last year. So [I’d like to play] half forward or maybe even a small forward, if I’m lucky.

“I hope to bring anything I learn there back to club footy at Cobram whenever I get the chance.”

The boys first got into their sport when Ratugolea brought home a footy to kick around the front yard one day.

“It started like that, when he brought the footy home,” Krause said.

Krause said he would like to focus on developing his goal kicking at the Bushrangers.

“They see me as a forward, so it would be handy,” Krause said.

“I’m a smaller player, and clean at ground level, so kicking goals and being in the forward line’s probably where I should be.

“I’d like to play in the AFL. It would be good to get there, or even the VFL; a higher level of football than what we’re at now would be good.”

“I’d love to play for the Tigers this year,” Degei said.

“I reckon it’ll be a good year for the club, and I’d love to be a part of that. But hopefully Bushies goes really well, and we’re both hoping to make it to the highest point of Bushies we can. We wish Cobram all the best for the year, and any games we get to play, we’ll play.”

President Matt Demaio couldn’t contain his pride in watching how far the boys had come.

“It shows how dedicated those two boys are, and shows how good our junior program is at developing players. The proof is in their footy,” Demaio said.

“We’re very proud of them. They’re part of a long list of blokes who, in the past, like the Beasley boys, the Allan boys, have all been through that program.

“It comes from the hard work of our under-14s coaches, our under-17s coaches, putting in the time and the boys putting in the time, which is probably the main thing.

“We’re looking forward to watching the boys do their thing in the Bushies program, and when they’re not playing there, we love having them at home.”

Krause and Degei expressed gratitude to the CFNC, coach John Brunskill and assistant coach Reece Hardwidge, and Jeremy O’Brien for their support.

“[John Brunskill] has definitely helped develop my footy,” Krause said.

“His life skills as well that he’s brought on to us, obviously being a cop ... growing us into adults, which is really good. And he’s just a nice guy as well, very supportive, the same as Reece Hardwidge, our assistant coach.”