GVL confirms final squads ahead of VAFA showdown

The VAFA sides are selected from players from Premier B, C and divisions one to three.

Benalla coach Nick Pearson will take charge of the senior interleague side, naming Seymour’s Jack Murphy as captain and Benalla’s Nick Warnock and Mooroopna’s Kai Madgwick as co-vice-captains.

There were five Echuca names on the extended squad list for the senior side, but only Malik Gordon made it on to the final list.

One of those five, Darby Jones, was on both squads’ long lists and was selected for the under-19s.

Pearson indicated his final selections came down to fit, picking a defensively-minded squad that he felt would gel together on game day

“They’re coming from everywhere ... to get them all in one space has been tricky, but we’ve done a really good job of it and making sure we’re trying to build our connection pieces,” Pearson said.

“(Connection) is the biggest thing, these guys don’t need to worry about footy, they’re here because they are the best of the best. They’ve just got to worry about learning how each other play.

“The boys felt like they didn’t have much connection with each other last year and that comes down to a lot of different reasons.

“The interleague is a different beast, it’s a really tricky thing to navigate.

“So, for us this year, it was about connection, making sure when we rock up to the ground we know each other’s names and preferences and how we play, all that type of stuff.

“We didn’t just pick on reputation, there are guys in here that have cracked into this side because they’re in form – they might not have been here at the start of the season, but have put together a significant block over the last month or two to put their hand up.”

The under-19 squad will be coached by regular interleague boss Ramadan Yze, who has named a squad with plenty of senior experience.

“It was mainly position-based, but a lot of them are playing senior footy for their local club, so that makes it a bit easier,” Yze said.

“Being an under-19s game, it gives them that extra year of experience against hardened, toughened bodies.

“It’s been tough making the selection call for the side, but one well worthwhile and I can’t wait to see what they do on Saturday.”

For Echuca, three players have made the final cut, including ruck Darby Jones, Hudson Kellett and Baxter Cowley.

Jones is averaging 13.1 disposals, 2.4 clearances and more than a goal a game for the senior Murray Bombers this season.

Cowley is posting 11 disposals, including 2.5 inside 50s and 4.5 score involvements, while Kellett has logged 16.6 disposals, 4.1 clearances and 2.7 inside 50s per contest.

Kellett will also serve as vice-captain, while Mansfield’s Adam Storer will lead the side.

The under-19 fixture starts at 11.30am on Saturday, while the seniors will follow from 2.10pm.