Five Echuca United players have been named in AFL Country Victoria’s one and two squads.
Eagles coach Scott Beattie and Rochester recruit Guy Campbell were named in the Victoria One squad for the second straight year.
United teammates Ryan Prendergast, Farran Priest and Rowan Priest will join Moama forward Tyler Jones in the Victoria Two squad.
Echuca Football Club’s Matt Hay was the sole district player named in the under 19s squad.
Victoria One will face Victoria Amateur Football Association’s senior team at the Junction Oval, Melbourne, on July 7.
Victoria Two will play a VAFA B grade to division four side and the under 19s will face the VAFA under 19s.
Beattie said the number of United players selected spoke volumes about the club.
‘‘We’ve been supporters of representative footy through the Murray league and the fact we’ve got five guys in the squad is major,’’ he said.
‘‘Farran Priest has got his opportunity based on his form this year, as does Ryan Prendergast, who’s been in good form for two years.
‘‘Rowan Priest has been a very good player for a long time now.’’
Beattie said it was a great personal opportunity to play for Victoria.
‘‘It’s an opportunity you don’t knock back,’’ he said.
‘‘Should the body hold up I’m hoping to take up a leadership role within the team this year.’’
Beattie, who coached the successful Murray interleague side last month, said it was great to see so many Murray junior players in the under 19 squad.
‘‘Those kids are rippers, especially Ash (Hall). He’s in really good form,’’ he said.
‘‘They all definitely deserve their opportunities and should do very well.
‘‘Tyler Jones is a good example of perseverance. It took him a bit to play interleague but the opportunity could open a few doors for him.’’
League representatives
Victoria One: Brendon Hollow (Tatura), Paul Kirby (Tatura), Daniel Lewis (Mooroopna), Tim Looby (Shepparton United), Jason Morgan (Kyabram), Luke Morgan (Benalla), Paul Newman (Kyabram), Tom Sheldon (Kyabram), Thomas Sullivan (Tatura). Scott Beattie (Echuca United), Guy Campbell (Echuca United).
Victoria Two: Ryan Prendergast (Echuca United), Rowan Priest (Echuca United), Farran Priest (Echuca United), Ryan Bongetti (Finley), Tyler Jones (Moama), Ryan Semmel (Huntly), Hayden Wright (White Hills).
Victoria under 19s: Matthew Hay (Echuca), Sam Martyn (Benalla), Locky Smith (Benalla), Jake Palpratt (Benalla), Tom Miller (Tatura), Chris Down (Shepparton United), Mark DiBella (Shepparton United), Nick Calandro (Shepparton Swans), Ash Morris (Deniliquin), Kaine Greening (Congupna), Marcus Jackson (Finley).
