BALLARAT Football League’s Eastern bloc will contribute a significant chunk of this year’s interleague team, mainly thanks to Sunbury Lions’ seven call-ups.
A provisional squad of 40 has been named in the countdown to the VCFL No.1 contender’s match between the Ballarat Football League and Geelong league on May 26.
Melton-Moorabool’s four teams have combined for 10 of the 40 players, while Sunbury Lions’ trip to last year’s grand final and squad retention through to the new year has been rewarded with seven selections.
North Ballarat City (eight) and reigning premier Redan (six) are the strongest represented teams from the west end of the league.
The winner of the BFL-GFL (third verses fourth) match at Eastern Oval will advance to the number-one ranking game next season.
The winner of this year’s No.1 ranking match between the Goulburn Valley (1) and Mornington Peninsula Nepean league (2) will be waiting next season.
The loser will have to settle for the fifth verses sixth contest.
“We’ve tried to get a mix of competitive players, that’s been our primary selection criteria, and we’ve tried to pick guys in form,” interleague coach Shaune Moloney said.
“We’ve also picked guys who are proven at this level and who are back from injury or some other reason.
“It wasn’t deliberate but we are delighted every club is represented. The squad will remain the same unless someone plays some really good footy.” – with Gav McGrath, Ballarat Courier
BFL INTERLEAGUE SQUAD
BACCHUS MARSH: Tyson Shea, Alec Del Papa,
Daniel Velden
DARLEY: Darren Leonard, Jake Edwards,
Brendan Porter
MELTON: Darren Haby
MELTON SOUTH: Leigh Burke, Mathew Sutton, Matthew Notman
SUNBURY: Brett Chambers, Jay Cheep, Pat Cariss, Cameron McCabe, Ross Sleight, Jamie Lobb,
Dale Ciunik
BALLARAT: Garrett Liston, Nick Garner,
Shane Hutchinson, Tom Anson
EAST POINT: Dan Jordan, Matthew Bilton
LAKE WENDOUREE: Tim Malone, Ben Taylor
NORTH BALLARAT CITY: Jason McNamara, Simon McCartin, Ryan Hobbs, Tyler George, Jake Hicks, Tristan Cartledge, Michael Williams, Shaun Lyle
REDAN: Dean Chester, Jarrod Edwards,
Nathan Horbury, Jarrett Giampaolo, Brendan Peace, Ryan Waight
SEBASTOPOL: Malcolm Niblett
Coaches: Shaune Moloney, assistants Dan Jordan, Ross Henderson, Julian Field and Robbie Waters