COUNTRY Victoria is out to hold the Brian Molony Cup aloft once again when it takes on the Victorian Amateur Football Association tomorrow at Eastern Oval, Ballarat. Article first appeared: 14 July 2007 Herald Sun
Boys from the bush: Victoria Country captain Joe McLaren training this week at Penleigh and Essendon Grammer school. Picture: Norm Oorloff
The WorkSafe VCFL boasts an all-star line-up this year.
Former St Kilda and Kangaroos player Joe McLaren will captain the side, with Bell Park's Dean Talbot and Seymour's Paul Scanlon also assigned to help the VCFL defend the cup.
Former Richmond player Ross Funcke will slot into the centre for the VCFL.
McLaren helped Victoria win last year's Australian Country Football Council Championships on the Gold Coast.
The Hampden FC captain tied the ACFCC grand final with an 80m torpedo and kicked two goals in overtime to lead Victoria to victory.
Former AFL coach and dual Richmond premiership player Kevin Morris will take the reins against the Amateurs.
Morris's experience coaching Richmond, Essendon and West Adelaide in the SANFL ensures the VCFL remains in safe hands.
Morris said he travelled the state in search of the best country footballers.
"I'm pleased with the good balance of experience and youth we've decided to go with this year," Morris said.
"Given that some of them drive for 4 1/2 hours to come to a recovery session says a lot about these boys."
Morris also attended the under-18 national championships in an effort to encourage AFL recruiting managers to come to the match.
Morris expects a bumper crowd tomorrow.
"We've got to play a style of footy that people like to watch and that is enjoyable for the players," Morris said.
"I've seen a bit of Amateurs football and a bit of country footy, and it's fantastic to see real footy where they don't kick it sideways or backwards."
The VAFA has a natural advantage over the VCFL, with its side made up of players who have played alongside or against one another in the Melbourne-based league.
The Amateurs boast Sydney Swans player Simon Arnott and Geelong's Matt McCarthy.
The VCFL holds a 6-4 winning record against the Amateurs. It won the previous match in 2005, 13.13 (91) to 8.14 (62).
Tomorrow's game starts at 1.30pm, with the under-19 curtain-raiser at 10.30am.