Yasmine Budic, Mietta Habits, MacKenzie Lewis, Emily and Sophie Nicholson and Zali Spencer were announced in the squads last Friday to compete for spots at under-18 and under-16 level for 2020.
Some 180 girls from across Southern NSW regions, North-East Border and Goulburn Murray were initially nominated by their coaches. At the conclusion of this season 100 of the girls were then chosen to prepare and then participate in AFLW fitness testing components and skills sessions in Wangaratta on Friday, October 4.
Murray Bushrangers female talent coordinator Briana Cossar was delighted with the response and level of talent this year.
“It’s fantastic to see so many talented young female footballers emerging within our regions due to the continued growth of female AFL football,” Briana said.
“The talent pool is growing at a rapid rate and players are emerging at younger ages, making selection of the pre-season squad more difficult.
“We are extremely fortunate to have such quality people as part of our program who volunteer their time and are all passionate and committed to the development of footballers participating in out elite program.
“The satisfaction we all get from watching young athletes develop, not only as footballers, but more importantly as individuals within our community is enormous and we’re really excited without exceptional talent of our 2022 group.”
The pre-season squad will start training soon at Wangaratta’s Cathedral College.