ELEVEN up-and-coming Central Murray Football Netball League (CMFNL) footy players have been picked to play for the Bendigo Pioneers in 2016 in a major boost for local talent.
The youngsters, who mostly dream of playing in the AFL one day, will be put through their paces under head coach Brett Henderson at training and on game day.
Five players have secured main list spots, while a further six will fill the rookie list.
Henderson had nothing but praise for the CMFNL noting it had always been a nursery of talent.
“It is a very strong football region and the tremendous work people have done with the young guys and in the academies, it has really strengthened the CMFNL up,” he told The Guardian.
“They are all really strong performers at junior level and there are exciting players all through the region, we think it is right for them to come into the program at this time.
“This is our best talent injection in 10 years and if they keep developing we are going to be a good side … we are in a good position at the moment and we can’t wait to get into it.”
Another exciting feature for the players will be when the Bendigo Pioneers make their way to Swan Hill for an official TAC Cup match later this year.
“We hope it will encourage people to the game in Swan Hill. We will have a local presence in the side and they will be excited to play in front of them,” Henderson said.
“We are looking forward to having a match in the region and we want to keep building those partnerships in the region.”
