A MIXTURE of relief and joy would have been felt by 12 boys and girls across the region earlier this week as they took another leap forward in their aspiring football careers.
The final 2023 Bendigo Pioneers squads included a dozen Central Murray representatives.
Glen Gillbee (Balranald) and Taj McMillan (Swan Hill) were selected for the under-18 boys’ squad.
Gillbee got a taste of the then NAB League, now Talent League, playing in the Pioneers’ round 2 contest last season against the Geelong Falcons.
McMillan will hope to make his Pioneers debut this season after plying his trade with North Ballarat’s under-19s and 17s for the majority of last season.
The Woorinen Youth Girls program is going strong, with six girls represented in the under-18 girls Pioneer squad.
Jenna Bannam, Carlee Hazlett, Sam Johnston, Brydi Lewis, Sophie McClelland and Gaby Sanford were set to do the whole competition proud.
A strong crop of under-16 boys was also coming through, with four being added to the Pioneers squad for 2023.
Tyntynder Football Club’s young star Pat Blake, who kicked five goals on senior debut last year and played eight games, will continue his Pioneer journey after also playing with their under-15 V/Line Cup side in 2022.
He’ll be joined by V/Line Cup teammates Ethan Curran (Nyah-Nyah West), Charlie King (Woorinen) and Wil Bennett (Swan Hill).
The girls season will begin next weekend on Sunday, with the boys starting the following Saturday, March 25, in Ballarat against the Greater Western Victoria Rebels.
