By HEATHER BAMFORD

THE Goulburn Murray V/Line Cup program is an annual event which offers great opportunities for boys and girls from the grass roots level to compete at a higher level.

Five Euroa boys from the under 16 team were chosen by independent selectors to take part in this program.

Cohen Paul, Ryan Hill, Darby Wilson, Mitchell Walters and Charles Thompson are very excited to be making this step up to the academy.

Cohen Paul said: “It’s a great opportunity,” and from Mitchell Walters: “It’s exciting to be selected in the squad.”

They were to have started training with the academy this week but due to the current lockdown that has now been put on hold.

Fifty boys (who will be placed in two teams) have been chosen from local clubs which represents the best talent from the region and they will play in the AFL Victoria Country State Championships which are usually held in AFL Grand Final week (this year to be held in Shepparton).

The three Goulburn Murray teams train over approximately a 6-week period with boys’ selection based on Tatura Milk Goulburn Murray Academy performances in the same year along with other players added due to outstanding performances in interleague.

The female players are selected based on interleague and club performances.

The program is overseen by AFL Goulburn Murray Football Development Managers who rely on many volunteer staff to fill coaching, team manager and trainer positions.

Ryan Hill said: “New coaches will be good to learn new strategies and game styles.”

“We will be able to bring these qualities, skills and techniques back to the home club,” said Darby Wilson.

This program is very highly regarded as the start of the AFL player pathway as reflected by former AFL players who have come through the program including Josh Fraser (Mansfield), Leo Barry (Deniliquin), Brett Deledio (Kyabram) and Steele Sidebottom (Shepparton), to name a few.

Kyabram’s Reni Hicks became the first Goulburn Murray female to be drafted to the AFLW competition when she was selected by Carlton at pick 29 in the 2017 Women’s draft.

The V/Line Cup has players and teams coming from far and wide including Bendigo, Geelong, Wodonga, Albury, Peninsula and many other locations across the state.

While there is still uncertainty connected to this event, the boys will be raring to go once the lockdown is lifted.

Charles Thompson said: “Lockdown is disappointing and frustrating but if the event gets going it will be a fantastic opportunity.”

Everyone connected to the Euroa Football Netball Club will be hoping and praying that this event will go ahead and provide a wonderful opportunity for these boys.