The MDFL, under the guidance of three time league best and fairest winner Mick Jennings, will compete against interleague newcomer the Golden Rivers Football League.

Jennings said he and his fellow selectors have left no stone unturned in their quest to field the strongest team available.

"I am very enthusiastic about the whole thing. Every player has made themselves available bar two or three that have succumb to injury," he said.

"For the selection criteria we asked clubs to nominate players that they thought would be worthy and we ended up having close to 50 in the initial squad.

"That squad was announced before the first game and we had four selectors, myself, John Box, Neil Stewart and Rodger Flanner, who went around and saw every one of the players play over the first five weeks of the season.

"I have been watching at least two games each weekend, I'd watch one or two quarters then go to the next game, so we have been pretty thorough in identifying the talent."

Jennings said the squad was reduced to 27 last week, with the final team of 22 announced at training last night.

Justin Eales from Penshurst will be captain, while he will be ably assisted through the centre and around the ground by Tatyoon duo Sean McDougall and Damian Cameron, along with Caramut's Nathan Jones and Lachie Malloy from Great Western.

"Justin is a prolific ball winner and shows great leadership," Jennings said.

"He has represented VicCountry when he played with Stawell (Warriors) and has great skills.

"Wayne Loader from Lismore/Derrinallum is another who has played with VicCountry before and will be an important player. Then you've got the young guns like Tommy Taurau from the Ararat Eagles."

Taurau's availability will depend on his commitments with the North Ballarat Rebels.

Jennings said all clubs have been very accommodating of the returning interleague fixture, with the talent put forth providing plenty of headaches at the selection table.

"It has been tough to select a team to be honest," he said.