Geelong Advertiser | WE’VE beaten the best of the best three years running.
But the highly anticipated country-versus-metro showdown at Simonds Stadium on May 21 will truly determine Victoria’s top football outfit, GFL interleague coach Jeremy Dyer has declared.
That’s why Dyer is urging the 54 players named in the initial squad to put their hands up for selection for the clash against Eastern Football League.
And while Dyer concedes the GFL is unlikely to field its best squad because of injury and unavailability, the title-winning coach is hoping for an overwhelming buy-in from the players.
“We’re regarded as the best team going around, and we’re playing the best metro league, so I hope the players give it the respect it deserves,” he said.
“Some people get a bit funny about interleague but I think this is a genuine game to see where we’re at.
“So I hope the players do make themselves available. There will be VFL and AFL scouts there, so it will be a good opportunity for them.
“And if everyone makes themselves available, it will be fun picking the best 23.”
Only 13 players who were part of the triumphant GFL team last season will return, with Bell Park’s Steve Paulke, Tim and Jackson Sheringham and Luke Rounds, Lara’s Collingwood recruit Tony Armstrong, North Shore’s Nathan Peoples, St Albans star recruit Justin Carey and St Mary’s siblings Sam and Ben Dobson among a host of new faces.
Dyer described the talent in this year’s squad as “strong”.