But are there still opportunities at play to further their credentials? For two Shepparton guns, there certainly is.
Bears’ duo Lincoln Brand and Alex Whitlock suited up for Victoria Country in an under-17 trial clash against Queensland, with an opportunity to lock in a place in the Futures Game on AFL Grand Final Day.
Towering midfielder Brand made an impression through the midfield and half back while Whitlock, the brother of AFL duo Matt and Jack, impacted on the scoreboard with a goal.
Murray Bushrangers coach Justin McMahon couldn’t attend the Casey Fields game, but the reports filtering back to the Talent League mentor have been positive.
“Linc was good as a midfielder then went to half back, Alex played forward and then wing,” McMahon said.
“It was good for them to experience some different positions as well.
“From all reports they both had some good performances throughout the day which was a positive result for those two guys.”
McMahon could, however, shed some light on the final game of Shepparton United and Rumbalara product Tanner Armstrong’s final game in the AFL Under-18 National Championships.
Victoria Country was beaten soundly by their metro counterparts, but Armstrong did his draft chances no harm with 19 disposals and five marks, the Richmond NGA-tied prospect ending with a tournament average of 24 touches, five marks, and three tackles.
“I feel like he’s had exposure all over the field,” McMahon said.
“Early in the piece he was a midfielder for us. He played a lot of midfield in the National Academy games against VFL opponents, and then primarily as a small defender in Nationals.
“It’s pleasing to see he’s had some exposure across different parts of the grounds.
“I think that will stand him in good stead moving forward to prove he can be a dual-position player.”
His Goulburn Valley counterpart Cody Walker was also judged highly after a solid campaign from the Echuca father-son prospect, earning a midfield place in the Under-18 All-Australian team.
Cobram’s Eamon Hyde, meanwhile, earmarked himself as one to watch over the course of the next few years.
The Tigers young gun was a star for Victoria Country during the under-16 championships, named in the State’s best players in two of the three games played.
Such was his influence, the rising star was judged the side’s Bartram Medallist, an accolade bestowed on Victoria’s best player throughout the tournament.
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