THE best junior players in the Wimmera Football League will play an exhibition match before the senior interleague fixture on May 19.
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The senior side will play against the Bellarine Football League in the interleague game at City Oval in Horsham, however the BFL has opted not to bring junior football interleague sides.
The WFL’s chief commissioner Trevor Albrecht said the league would form two under-17 junior sides to play against each other in a best of the east versus the best of the west format.
“We really want to make it as even a game as possible,” he said. “It will be based on an east versus west format but there could also be juniors from the same sides playing against each other. There will be a healthy balance.”
The game will be treated as another development opportunity for the junior players.
“It’s a great chance for Jason Muldoon (AFL Wimmera-Mallee’s development manager) to scout for next season’s Greater Western Victoria Rebels squad,” Albrecht said.
Albrecht said the league was disappointed that the BFL was not bringing junior interleague sides and that the netballers in the Wimmera Netball Association will also not have a chance to play.
“We are disappointed the Bellaraine Football League is not bringing juniors but also that they aren’t bringing any netballers,” Albrecht said.
“At least this game gives the junior footballers a chance.”
The Wimmera league’s junior and senior football co-director David Stewart said the juniors would be able to showcase their ability during the match up.
“We are treating it as a development style game where they have the opportunity to showcase their skills,” he said.
“There could possibly be talent scouts there to cast an eye over the players. It’s an opportunity for them to further their pathway a bit.”
AFL Wimmera-Mallee general manager Steve McQueen said the match would be a great lead up into the senior interleague fixture.
“Every club nominates six players and it is basically an exhibition match,” he said.
“It’s great for their development.
“It’s a shame not having an interleague game because quite often the juniors enjoy it more than the seniors. This game will give them a chance to play as well.”
The squads and coaches are expected to be announced this week.