The Rams, guided by a number of starring performances from Murray Bushrangers-listed players, were convincing winners of the AFL division two under-18 championship last weekend.

Todd Marshall, Zach Sproule, Fletcher Carroll and Max Lynch all turned heads in the undefeated run through the carnival.

Bushies talent manager Lee Fraser said  the club had identified a wealth of talent from the northern side of the Border in the lead-up to its 2016 TAC Cup campaign, plenty of which had been on show throughout the three-week carnival.

“I think across the Bushrangers squad in general we’ve identified a fair bit of talent from across the NSW area,” he said.

“I think it’s a credit to the local clubs and communities that have developed these players at a junior level.

“You look at the amount of players coming to us from the Ovens and Murray and elsewhere it’s clear that they’ve come from a strong junior program.”

Sproule, a GWS Giants academy prospect, booted seven goals across the three games, while bottom-age prospect Charlie Spargo also turned heads.

Lynch was a consistent performer, as was Fletcher Carroll.

Fraser said their performances at the nationals proved they have what it takes to make it at AFL level.

“AFL clubs are definitely keen to see the players who can rise to the challenge against the best in the country,” he said.

“There is some pressure associated with performing at that level, and often the ones who prove that they can handle that are the ones who are drafted.

“That’s not the be and and end all though, Clayton Oliver is a good example of a player who was picked up solely on his strong performances at TAC Cup level.

“It means that a player like (Corowa-Rutherglen’s) Ryan Garthwaite, who missed the carnival through injury, isn’t ruled out.

“Charlie Spargo is a special footballer with a great footy pedigree, Todd Marshall has also performed very well.

“Max Lynch was identified at a 2014 trial after coming from a soccer background, he’s done very well to carry the ruck duties for the Rams.

“You add in Fletcher Carroll averaging 20-odd touches and some great leadership qualities and you have a very strong group.”