THE Henty Machinery Field Days are under threat as the township’s claim to fame.
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After having Harrison Macreadie picked up by Carlton in the AFL draft on Friday night, the Hume league club is fast becoming known as one of country football’s premier breeding grounds.
Despite having a population of just over 1100, seven footballers have found their way onto lists since 1988.
Ruckman David Willis started the run when the 203-centimetre giant was picked up by Sydney Swans.
He played in the Swampies’ 1986 flag as a youngster and went on to play 25 AFL matches.
Tim Scott (Sydney) and Brent Piltz (Sydney) followed with a senior match each in 1995 and 2001.
Kade Klemke and Dean Terlich were rookie drafted by Essendon and Sydney in 2008.
Terlich managed 35 matches for Melbourne after switching from the Swans in 2013.
He was delisted by the Demons this year and will play for SANFL club Norwood while Klemke is coaching NEAFL side Canberra Demons.
Klemke and Terlich were teammates in a Henty under-14 flag.
Sam Murray won a spot on the Swans list through the rookie draft last year after being recommended by Wodonga Raiders coach Daryn Cresswell.
On Friday night, Macreadie joined the list when he was snapped up by Carlton with pick number 47.
“It’s been great for the town,” Henty co-coach Matt Klemke said.
“I guess Henty’s always been passionate about its football and to have that number of players make AFL lists over the years is a great achievement.
“Like most country towns, from primary school you play footy in the winter and cricket and tennis in the summer.
“Harry did really well the other night, especially with him being a Carlton supporter.
“It was great to see him get a chance.”
Macreadie and Murray were teammates in Henty’s most recent premiership in 2014.
Henty has had two other narrow misses with Evan Klemke managing two reserve grade matches for South Melbourne in the 1970s.
Azzi medallist Craig Lieschke was set to play for Essendon in the 1980s before injuring his AC joint.
He had trained with the Bombers under coach Kevin Sheedy before the setback.