YARRAWONGA midfielder Ely Smith and Wodonga forward Hudson Garoni have received a pre-draft boost by being selected in the TAC Cup Team of the Year.
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Smith was named on the interchange with Garoni being picked at full-forward after kicking 35 goals during the home and away series.
He shared the TAC Cup’s goalkicking award with Oakleigh’s Jake Gasper and Greater Western Victoria Rebels’ Charlie Wilson.
“It’s a big achievement for them,” coach Leon Higgins said.
“They both played for Victoria Country during the year as well.
“They have had good seasons.”
Smith polled 12 votes to finish fifth in the Morrish Medal with rising Sandringham star Liam Stocker winning on 18 votes.
Garoni polled seven votes and Kyle Clarke, Laitham Vandermeer, Matt Walker and Jye Chalcraft five each.
Garoni’s goalkicking success comes only 12 months after Barooga’s Daniel Johnston was victorious playing for the Bushrangers.
Benalla’s Rebecca Webster was selected in the girls Team of the Year.
Meanwhile, Bushrangers coach Leon Higgins said his side would have to lift for Sunday’s clash against Sandringham Dragons.
They struggled to a 27-point win over Bendigo Pioneers at the weekend.
“We had good periods throughout the game where we kicked four or five back-to-back goals but we were inconsistent with our efforts,” Higgins said.
“I didn’t think we used the ball well.”
The Bushrangers have two injury concerns with Cameron Wilson suffering a shoulder injury and Zane Barzen suffering an ankle complaint.
“Zane is probably 50-50 while Cam is doubtful at this stage,” he said.
The Bushrangers have been hit by a spate of injuries to key players late in the season with Chalcraft, Clarke and Jacob Koschitzke among the absentees.
Sunday’s match starts at 1.30pm.