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

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

Mooroopna will have two of its young guns take part in the program in Caden Ratcliffe and Mac Calleja, while fellow Goulburn Valley League club Seymour will also be sending a duo that consists of Melvic Pambai and Hugh Traynor-Murphy.

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

Three Murray league players have also been included, with Ned Frostick (Nathalia), Nate Grieves (Tocumwal) and Harry Moon (Numurkah) set to fly the flag for their respective clubs.

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.”

During summer Wilson said there were a number of players that really stood out and appeared set for a big season at 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 GWS) 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 culiminates in the under-18 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.”