The Western Bulldogs Next Generation Academy’s (WB NGA) first appearance in the V/Line Cup has been hailed a great success, with two of the three teams going undefeated at Gippsland.
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Last week was the first time the teams from Western Victoria competed under the Bulldogs banner.
Two boys under-15s teams and one girls under-16 team competed in the two-game competition from Tuesday to Thursday last week.
Ararat’s Matt Spalding, Warrack Eagles’ Lachlan Stewart and Kaniva-Leeor’s Ethan Councillor were in the division one team had two tight wins to finish as the best boys team from the week.
They defeated North East Border 1 by five points on Tuesday, before backing up for another five-point win over Peninsula Stingrays on Thursday.
The division two side did not have as much luck, dropping the two matches by three and 29 points respectively.
Ararat’s Luke Spalding, Horsham Saints’ Gage Wright, Nhill’s Harold Pritchard and Swifts’ Sam Chatfield all featured in the side.
The girls side dominated the rest of the competition with help from the Wimmera’s Jordie McCauliffe, Crystal Summers, Isabella Simmons, Steph Glover and Nakela Butler.
They won both games in easily, claiming 38 and 39 point victories.
Manager of the WB NGA boys team’s Jason Muldoon said it was great to see all the teams compete strongly but the results were not the most important thing to come from the week.
“They walk away with a better understanding of the professionalism required to play at the top level thanks to our involvement with the Bulldogs,” he said.
Both boys teams were given a tour of the Western Bulldogs’ home ground of Whitten Oval on Monday and given an insight into what it takes to play at the top level of football.
“They talked to the Bulldogs’ recruiting manager, dietitian and HR manager and learnt a lot about the different aspects of what goes on at a club,” Muldoon said.
The winner of the V/Line Cup will not be announced until later in the month, with AFL Victoria to judge the winner not just by on field performance but also take into account the development of the players and the effort given to help them grow.
“With the changes we have made by partnering with the Bulldogs we think we are a good chance of winning it (V/Line Cup) again,” Muldoon said.
“The most important thing for us was giving these kids a chance to develop and grow.”
Western Bulldogs NGA manager Dave Newton said the opportunity to work with young footballers in the region is beneficial for all involved.
“We couldn’t have been more pleased with how this year has gone with the academy,” he said.
“The engagement we have had from all the players has been fantastic and they all got some great experience.”