Highly-touted draft prospect Josh Lindsay will join four Falcons teammates in the Vic Country team for the opening clash of the under-18 National Championships.
Lindsay (Newtown & Chilwell/Geelong Grammar), Hugo Mikunda (Bell Park), Rilley Aquilina (St Joseph’s), Jett Elek (Lara) and Jesse Mellor (Geelong West) will be on the plane to Perth for the clash with WA on Saturday, June 7.
Falcons coach Paul Corrigan, who doubles as a Vic Country assistant, said strong form in the Coates Talent League has earned his players a spot.
“We’ve all seen what Josh Lindsay is capable of,” he said.
“Not only through the Coates League but also the National Academy, his form out of defence and through the midfield has been exceptional.
“Jesse Mellor has started the year really strongly, he’s more of a power player who can go forward or on ball and makes for a really hard match-up.
“He’s hard in the air, but also gets you at ground level and hits the scoreboard, and that’s been vital for us.
“Jett Elek, with his size, provides that forward role who can play as a second ruck. He’s only been in the Coates League for six or seven games, so it’s astonishing that he has been able to have this kind of impression and earn the call-up.
“Rilley Aquilina has played about six games as a top-ager, but he’s already looked like one of the best transition players I’ve seen.
“He can hurt you outside on the wing or as a high half-forward, but can also go inside, and that versatility is vital for our side.
“Hugo Mikunda has come off an injury-riddled back end of last year, he’s worked incredibly hard to get the opportunity in the last four or five games and has earned his way into the side.”
Vic Country will play four games during the National Championships, with all matches to be streamed on the AFL website and app.
Corrigan said his players are aware of the spotlight and the opportunity that comes with it.
“Recruiters keep a close eye on them in that first part of the season,” he said.
“But now they get that chance to step their games up, it gets quicker, they’re up against the best players, so it’s a great test of their strengths as footballers.
“Hopefully, we get a strong showing out of them in the champs and the back half of the season.”
The Vic Country group will train on Thursday and then travel on Friday, before holding a Captain’s Run in Perth on Friday.
“They’ll recover and fly back Sunday, so they get a good bit of time together, and also gives us as coaches an opportunity to work with them for those few days,” Corrigan said.
“The Falcons have the week off, so they’ll get to recharge, and we’ll do a few sessions in the next week to get them ready for the trip.”
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