Fifty-two players from 20 clubs have been selected, with Rutherglen's Cam Wilson and Shepparton's Lachy Ash, the son of Albury premiership player Stephen Ash, named co-captains.

Coach Mark Brown praised the pair's selection.

"The players were selected by their teammates and coaching staff, which reflects how highly-rated both players are within the group," Brown said.

Brown also recognised the efforts of the players who missed the squad.

"It was a very thorough selection process and whist there are disappointed players, each of these players are well prepared for the upcoming season," he said.

"We will continue to monitor their development and many players will come back into the squad on the back of strong local footy and continued improvement."

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Selection began last July with a squad of 90 players involved in pre-season, before the final cut to 52. 

Tasmania Devils have been included in the new-look competition this season, while GWS Giants, Sydney Swans, Gold Coast Suns, Brisbane Lions and Northern Territory Thunder will play during rounds two to six.

The Bushrangers face Gippsland Power at RAMS Arena on Sunday.

The squad is: A. Martin, C. Byrne, B. Kelly, A. Shepherd, W. Bowden, P. Parnell, J. Hillary, C. McLeod (Albury), W. Chandler, D. Melksham (Corowa-Rutherglen), K. Davies, E. Amery, C. Marsh, L. Berryman, M. Hallows (Lavington), C. Crisp, R. Bouker, D. Bedendo, W. Quirk (Myrtleford), E. Keogh (North Albury),  M. Holt, J. Crawford, T. Matthes (Wangaratta), W. Christie, K. Williamson (Wang Rovers), K. Brown, L. Andrews, E. Hollands (Wodonga), D. Clarke, D. Everett, T. Bracher (Wodonga Raiders), C. Wilson (Rutherglen), N. Irvine (Tungamah), B. Ashley-Cooper (Finley), H. Beasley, I. Artavilla (Cobram), S. Durham, H. Kaak (Seymour), T. Panuccio (Euroa), J. Boyer (Congupna), J. O'Dwyer (Numurkah), L. Sykes (Mooroopna), C. Wild, E. Baxter, L. Ash (Shepparton), Z. Barzen, Z. Maher, J. Chalcraft, K. Chalcraft, S, Thompson, L. Fiore, J. Cooper (Shepp United).