By Tara Murray
Gisborne captain Jack Reaper headlines six Bulldogs players named in the Bendigo Football League interleague squad.
Reaper captained the Bendigo side last season in its nail-biting result against the Victorian Amateur Football Association premier B to division 3 side, with the VAFA side winning by 13 points.
Bendigo coach Simon Rosa has named a 41 man training squad for the upcoming clash with the VAFA on July 13 at the QEO.
Joining Reaper in the squad is his Bulldogs teammates Harry Luxmoore, Shane Clough, Zac Vescovi, Dylan Johnstone and Matthew Merrett.
Headlining the squad is 2024 Michelsen Medallist and Sandhurst co-coach Lachlan Tardrew who is joined by teammate and reigning Ron Best Medal winner Fergus Greene.
Tardrew isn’t the only Senior coach in the squad with Castlemaine coach, Michael Hartley, Eaglehawk co-coach Clayton Holmes and South Bendigo co-coach, Jack Fallon also making the training squad.
The training squad features 13 players who represented the BFNL in last year’s loss.
South Bendigo lead the way with nine players while Sandhurst (seven), Eaglehawk (six) and Gisborne (six) also have a strong presence in the training squad.
Rosa said they were really pleased with the depth and quality across the board in this 41-player squad.
“It’s a great mix of proven performers and emerging talent from all BFNL clubs, and we’re excited to see how they come together in the training environment,” he said.
“It’s a terrific opportunity for these players to represent the BFNL and test themselves at a higher level. Interleague footy brings the best out of the best, and I know the group will embrace the challenge.
The training squad will be narrowed to a 23-player team plus two emergencies during the week of the match.
The Bendigo league has also announced a reduced 39-man under-19s squad.
Gisborne’s Campbell Johns, James Gray, Lachlan Evans and Will Elliot have been named in that squad.
