Ben Paton is the only Murray Bushranger named in the under 18 All-Australian team.
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The running backman was one of four Victoria Country players selected following the nationals.
“It’s a terrific result for Ben,” Bushrangers’ coach Leon Higgins said.
“He’s had a change of position in our team and he’s carried that on to the national carnival.
“Ben played mostly as a midfielder and forward last year, so this year we thought we’d try him as a small defender and he’s made the adaptation really well.
“He plays mostly as a small defender, lock-down defender and he’s also produced some really good rebound out of the backline as well and he did that for Vic Country.”
Paton won Mitta’s best and fairest as a 16-year-old.
“He’s really clean with the ball, a very good mark for someone his size, kicks the ball really well and is a super competitor one-on-one,” Higgins said.
