RISING CDHBU star Matt Walker will make his TAC Cup debut against Oakleigh Chargers at Wangaratta’s Norm Minns Oval on Saturday.
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The 16-year-old has kicked 26 goals in 11 senior matches for the Hume league club this season as well as having NSW and NEAFL commitments.
“Matt is obviously a great talent who is a member of the level one AFL Academy,” Bushrangers’ coach Leon Higgins said.
“He has been training with us for over a month and has impressed all the coaches with his skill level and workrate.
“CDHBU coach Damian Payne has assisted his development by exposing him to senior football over recent seasons.
“We’re looking forward to him making his debut.”
Walker, a strong-marking half-forward, will come into the side along with Albury’s Jake Page, Barooga’s Daniel Johnston and Mansfield’s James Cousins.
Cousins has been playing with Richmond’s VFL side.
“James is naturally a very hard worker and has enjoyed his four weeks of training and playing within the VFL environment,” Higgins said.
“He’s one of the form midfielders in the competition and is ready for a big finish to the season.”
Higgins expects Oakleigh to be difficult to beat.
“It’s great to come up against quality opposition at the business end of the season,” Higgins said.
“At this time of year all the elite talent is on the field and each side is eager to hit their straps ahead of the finals.
“Oakleigh ia a proven team at this time of year and our players will need to ensure their intensity and willingness to work hard for each other is at it’s optimum.
“The heat will be on.”
The Bushrangers lost to Dandenong by a point last weekend and will again be without ruckman Max Lynch due to illness.
He was a last-minute withdrawal against the Stingrays.
Wodonga’s Trent McMullan (knee soreness) has been rested while Albury’s Lachie Tiziani will miss another week with a shoulder problem.
Blayke St John is out for the year with a shoulder injury.
Although Oakleigh is sitting in seventh position on the ladder, the Chargers showed their ability by upsetting Sandringham Dragons last weekend.
The Bushrangers are in third spot and assured a position in the top-four.
Saturday’s match starts at 1pm.
In other matches this weekend, Calder do battle with Western Jets, North Ballarat Rebels take on Eastern Ranges, Northern Knights meet Gippsland Power, Sandringham Dragons host Bendigo Pioneers and Geelong Falcons play Dandenong Stingrays.
