A dozen Wimmera footballers earned selection in the 50-player under-15 Western Bulldogs Next Generation Academy squad to compete at the V/Line Cup later in the year.
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The best young players from across western Victoria were picked in the squad which will be later split into two teams to compete at Shepparton at the annual junior competition.
Kade Bohner, Tom Cousins, Jordan Cox, Henry Shea, Flynn Toner (Ararat), Jett Hopper, Brody Pope (Horsham), Max Bryan, Andrew Taylor (Horsham Saints), Matthew Brown, Brayden Purchase (Nhill) and Sam Jenkinson (Stawell) will all represent the Wimmera in the squad.
Players went through an extensive selection process, including two practice matches at Ararat's Alexandra Oval during the school holidays.
"The selection process was very thorough, we are bringing together players from across the WB NGA zones, which is a huge area. The selectors and WB NGA coaches have worked hard to ensure the players have the best opportunity to display their skills," team manager and AFL Wimmera-Mallee football development manager Jason Muldoon said.
"This is the final step in the WB NGA for all of these players, these players will transition into the GWV Rebels program later in the year, and we are hoping these players become NAB League players for the GWV Rebels.
"We expect to see gradual development amongst the group over the V/Line Cup, and as they progress through to the GWV Rebels U16 program.
"The players can expect to play against some of the best junior players in Country Victoria, when they compete in the 2019 V/Line Cup in Shepparton. The players will have the privilege of wearing the Western Bulldogs jumper, the players are respectful of the opportunity they have been given."