Murray Bushrangers confirm under-16 boys squad ahead of practice match at Rumbalara

The pair’s selection in the squad continues the representation from Kings Park in the talent pathway outfit after Angus Murray and Oliver Munro featured in the under-18 squad.

A whopping 12 players hail from clubs in the Goulburn Valley, signifying the quality of top-end junior talent throughout the region.

Shepparton is the most prominent club to feature in the squad, with the exciting trio of Ryan Ash, Oscar Lambourn and Ashton Young set to don Bushies colours.

Mooroopna will have two of its youngsters take part in the under-16s program in Caden Ratcliffe and Mac Calleja.

Riley Onley (Shepparton United) and Will Friday (Mansfield) round out the Goulburn Valley league representatives.

Murray Bushrangers regional talent operations lead Mick Wilson said it was exciting to welcome these boys into the program after an arduous selection process.

“The boys have been training since November, so it has been quite a rigorous summer for them as they vied for selection,” Wilson said.

“We made three cuts to the squad over the four months, so it’s been a very tough process to get it to this point, but we are thrilled with the final squad we have chosen.

“It is a development program, so it’s not all about winning and losing, rather it is giving these boys a taste of the level they need to be at to play for the Murray Bushrangers program.”

Over the course of the summer training period, Wilson said there were a number of local players that really stood out and appeared set for big seasons at both club and Bushrangers level.

“Riley Onley from Shepparton United has had some really good performances in our intraclub games and looks set to go to another level,” he said.

“Ryan Ash is another we are really keen to see this year playing in the midfield and out on the wing; similarly to his brother Lachie (who plays for Greater Western Sydney) he has a great athletic profile and is one to watch.

“Ash Young is another that has come into the program, who along with Oscar Lambourn have been heavily involved with cricket, so to have them come across and impress on the football side of things has been pleasing.”

The Bushies will play two official matches as part of the under-16 season, along with a string of other practice clashes, which begin this weekend against Bendigo Pioneers at Rumbalara’s Mercury Drive sporting complex.

Part of a Bushrangers triple header, which culminates in the under-18s girls’ season opener against the Pioneers, Wilson said it was a thrill to bring Coates Talent League football to Mercury Drive.

“We are very excited that we get to play a game at Rumbalara and really support the Rumbalara football and netball community,” he said.

“Hopefully we can get a few people along to the game and give back to one of the region’s most storied clubs.”