The Murray Bushrangers’ young guns are on the way up after a series of representative trial games on Saturday and Sunday.
Jack Whitlock received a last-minute opportunity to join the AFL Academy boys squad last week and took his chance in an exhibition hit-out against the Coburg VFL side.
The 200cm key forward, known to cycle through the ruck, got the nod after a stellar start to his Coates Talent League campaign and got his just rewards in the second half of Saturday’s exhibition at IKON Park.
With his time split between roles, Whitlock got on the board with two majors after half-time, taking a long-range set shot and a left-foot snap.
The experience has enriched his prospects, featuring alongside the highly-touted Camporeale twins from Glenelg, Gold Coast youth standout Leo Lombard and fellow northern Victorian tall Jobe Shanahan of Moama.
However, Coburg eventually demonstrated its experience advantage, prevailing 15.10 (100) to 10.14 (74).
Whitlock had plenty of Murray allies in the metro area taking on trial games of their own, though, with a handful of fellow Bushrangers selected for Vic Country practice games.
A large contingent was split into two sides to take on Vic Metro at Werribee’s Avalon Airport Oval, featuring Shepparton’s Matt Whitlock, Shepparton United’s Riley Onley, Shepparton Swans’ Oliver Warburton and Euroa’s Cohen Paul.
Benalla junior Joe Berry, now plying his trade at Wangaratta Magpies in the Ovens and Murray competition, earned plaudits for his display in game two as Vic Metro took both fixtures on the day, winning the first by 42 points and the second by 14.
Though the Bushranger boys had no Talent League fixture at the weekend, the under-18 girls got their chance against Gippsland Power — though the outcome proved demoralising.
The understrength Bushrangers had no answer to likely AFLW pick one Ash Centra, who produced a stat line that had to be seen to be believed.
Her 47 disposals and four goals underscored a ruthless 12.15 (87) to 0.0 (0) showing, but the Murray girls will have another weekend to pick themselves up before a trip to Bendigo Pioneers on Sunday, April 28.
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