Pekin is the only Wimmera representative in the number two squad, and is one of four of the region's footballers to survive the final selection cull.

"It's a great honour to make the team in the first place," he said.

"But it was a real shock to be made captain. I wasn't expecting that.

"The coach John Cossar picked a few things out that I'd achieved and it was an honour to hear him say those things."

Ararat's Liam Cavanagh will be vice-captain of the under-19 side, and will be joined by fellow Rat Xavier Vearing in the 25-man squad.

Horsham's Billy Lloyd also made the cut, but will be one of three emergencies.

Former Horsham footballer Chris Giampaelo rounds out those with links to the Wimmera who have made Vic Country squads.

Giampaelo was named in the Vic Country number one squad.

The three teams will arrive in Bendigo on Friday in preparation for Saturday’s matches against the Victorian Amateur Football Association at Queen Elizabeth Oval.

The under-19 side will play at 10.15am, the number two side at 1.10pm and the number one team at 4.05pm

Pekin said he did not know about much about the opposition, but said unfavourable weather might favour his side.

"It's a big oval but if it's wet it might suit the country boys a bit better," he said.

"I'm sure the coaches have done their homework.

"We'll head down on Friday and get ready and do a bit of bonding together and hopefully that will hold us in good stead for the win."

Pekin played for Vic Country in 2013, with the side prevailing by a point, but was a late withdrawal last year due to an injury.

“I had to pull out last year but i made the 2013 side and we won by a point that day,” he said.

“So that was a good experience to go through.

“All the hard work that you do at training and the dedication throughout has paid off.”

Pekin said it was impressive for Billy Lloyd to be named in the under-19 side as a 17-year-old.

“He’s only 17 and he’s the youngest there. He’s going to be a very handy player,” he said.

“I wouldn’t mind if he was in the senior team with me. That would be good.”