Baxter Cowley (right) has been training with the Bendigo Pioneers alongside Charlie Bull, who is from Deniliquin but attends school in Geelong.
The Bendigo Pioneers has long been credited with the development and career pathways of young locals seeking to further their careers in football, and taking full advnatge this year is Deni’s Baxter Cowley.
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The rising sport star has been selected in the under-16 Coates talent-league level, and Baxter says he’s already learning alot from the strong side.
“It’s high intensity and pretty quick,” he said.
“We have been training two nights a week in Bendigo.
“Training is mostly match simulation and not so much cone drills; it’s been really good quality.
“There were 100 kids on the original list, which was cut down to 50. The last step is for a final squad of 30.
“I’m not sure how they choose the final squad, but all I can do is give it a go and show the skills and enjoy it.”
The under-16s have played two matches so far - one game outside Ballarat against the Greater Western Victoria Rebels on Sunday, March 24 and one in Sandringham in wet weather conditions against Gippsland Power on Wednesday, April 3.
One more practice hit out is to be scheduled soon, after the original was cancelled due to heat.
The under-16 nationals are also coming up, with decisions to be made for Vic Country and Allies also on the horizon.
Baxter has played high impact roles in the Pioneers’ games to date, trying to use the opportunity to showcase his skills.
“I play half forward flank, rotating into the midfield.
“We played in Sandringham in wet weather and sloppy conditions. I prefer the sunny, dry weather to be able to show my skills.”
Baxter said the main thing he’s gained from the Pioneers system so far will be used to guide his future footy goals.
“The program teaches elite habits and what they expect of you at that level,” he said.
“They tell us if you want to go far to stay on the pathway.
“My main goal at the moment is just to continue being at Pioneers and playing at a high level.”
While Baxter is eyeing the AFL in the future, he said his aim for now is to do the best he can at local and regional levels.
He is a valued member of the Deniliquin Rovers’ thirds, playing in the Picola & District League.
He’s also played a lot of school footy in recent years, which last year saw him travel to Albury, Ballarat, Wollongong and Coffs Harbour.
“It was tough last year. I missed a fair bit of thirds as I couldn’t play the week before a representative game, and also we did a lot of travel.
“But I can bring back things that I learnt back to Rovers and drills from Pioneers training.
“Travelling is hard on Mum and Dad (Nadia and Ben) and I see how much they do for me. They do a great job and I appreciate them.”
Nadia agreed the travelling can take its toll, but she said they were prepared to do what they can to support Baxter’s inner drive.
“It is really full on, but Ben and I do it because Baxter’s so motivated,” she said.
“Not once have I had to ask if he’s ready for training or games; he just is.”
