Developing Wodonga Raiders’ forward Connor Newnham is the bolter in the Victoria Country under 19 team.
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He’s one of five O and M players set to tackle Vic Metro at Ballarat on Saturday, along with classy Wangaratta premiership duo Joe Richards and Brad Melville, Corowa-Rutherglen’s Jack Schilg and Yarrawonga’s Matt Casey.
It’s Newnham’s first representative selection.
“It means heaps, I was actually quite surprised I got picked,” he said.
Originally from Upper Murray club Border Walwa, the powerfully built 19-year-old is now in his fourth year at Raiders.
He’s previously trained with the Murray Bushrangers at under 18 level, but failed to make the squad.
Raiders’ coach Daryn Cresswell has been working on a number of areas, including cutting down on Newnham’s mistakes.
“Yeah, stuff like that and decision making,” he said.
“He (Cresswell) has helped me a lot, which is good.”
Meanwhile, Casey will also make his debut.
“It means a lot, just to play at a higher level and you always try to push yourself,” he said.
The O and M has the most representatives with three other leagues, including Goulburn Valley, boasting four.
The son of GV Hall of Famer and Lavington goalkicking machine Chris Stuhldreier has also been named.
“Nick doesn’t play up forward like his dad, he’s more a half-back, midfielder,” coach Damian Sexton said.
“For all the players, you never know who’s watching.”
