Players and coaches involved in the Horsham District league's 2019 interleague side are optimistic about their chances on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
There has been an increase in enthusiasm for interleague this year, with players from every club putting their hand up for selection.
There was an exciting atmosphere at the final training session on Wednesday night, with 34 players pressing their case for selection at City Oval.
Head coach Nick Pekin said it was terrific to have so many players wanting to be a part of the side.
"Having that squad of 34, the depth and enthusiasm was outstanding," Pekin said.
"Selection was really tough, but that was a great problem to have throughout the whole process.
"Guys will be very disappointed (to miss out) but I really hope they enjoyed the experience and take it back to their club level."
Interleague regular Damon Folkes from Swifts has been named in the side on a half back-flank.
Folkes said the atmosphere around the side was one of the best from the years he had been involved.
"I've played in probably 4-5 interleague sides through juniors and seniors," Folkes said.
"(this is) definitely one of the best years with numbers on the track and everyone putting their hand up.
"It's been a lot better than previous years."
In addition to the regular faces, the side features several players making their interleague debuts, including Kalkee youngster Jasper Gunn.
Gunn said he was excited to be a part of the side.
"It was pretty unexpected. I'm just stoked to get the opportunity," Gunn said.
"It's good to be able to play against the best players of the opposition league, and play with the best players of our league. I'd much rather play with them than against them that's for sure."
Gunn said it was valuable to play under an experienced coaching panel including Pekin, Kalkee's Stuart Farr and Pimpinio's Chris Walsh.
"It's good to see how other coaches see the game and what their plans are," Gunn said.
"All three of the coaches are really knowledgeable. They give you heaps of tips on where you should go and that sort of thing."
The Horsham District league are currently ranked 29th in the Community Championships rankings, and will take on the 30th ranked Loddon Valley Football Netball League on Saturday.
Loddon Valley coach Wayne Mitrovic will be coaching his first interleague match.
Mitrovic said the side had an emphasis on youth.
"My main focus was to have a really balanced side, so I've tried to pick players for their positions, rather than trying to shuffle around four or five centre half-backs," Mitrovic said on Wednesday night.
"I think we've got really good balance with our ability to get it done in the air and at ground level, as well as run and strength... we tried to incorporate all that to get a good even spread.
"We also wanted to promote youth and we think we've done that with about seven guys who are 20 or younger."
Horsham District last met Loddon Valley in an inter-league match in 2013, with Horsham District running away with a 30 point win.
Pekin said he wasn't sure what to expect from their opposition.
"No matter what they put up we will just respect our opponent," Pekin said.
"We'll just respect them first and then attack once we've got it in our control."