Young Pigeons make Bushies

The Pigeon duo will now complete a Christmas training program and return to training in January at Cathedral College, Wangaratta. 

The Murray Bushrangers Under 16 Development Squad is the pathway program into the NAB League Under 18 competition and they will play two practice matches against Bendigo Pioneers and Calder Cannons on February 8 and February 15 both at J.C. Lowe Oval, Yarrawonga.

Over 180 girls from leagues across Southern NSW regions as far as Queanbeyan, North-East Border and Goulburn Murray were initially nominated by their coaches for the Bushrangers squads of which 70 were chosen to participate in the elite level football training program over the last two months. 

Female Talent Coordinator Briana Cossar explained the difficult process in selecting the squads from the program. 

“It has included AFLW testing components and intra club games to ensure players have both the football and athletic attributes to perform in the elite U18 competition,” Briana said. 

“The support of the players parents, family and friends has been amazing and we’re extremely grateful to our exceptional coaching, high performance and medical staff who volunteer their time, knowledge and experience to help develop our young players with their football and life skills.” 

New Bushrangers Coach Mario de Santa-ana highlighted the rigorous selection process. 

“It was very difficult at the selection table with so many talented young girls with high quality skills and I’m really excited by the potential of this year’s playing group,” Mario said. 

“The players have an opportunity to really develop over the coming months with some high level coaching support by way of additional staff, reducing the player to coach ratio which is vital for the girls’ individual development.”

The Murray Bushrangers will celebrate the launch of their 2020 NAB League Season with a Training Day and Jumper Presentation on Saturday February 1 at Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort.