Keeley Skepper will do all she can to achieve her dream of playing football at the highest level.
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The Murray Bushrangers midfielder travels from Barnawartha to Wangaratta to attend school where she is part of Cathedral College Wangaratta's new elite sports academy.
Skepper was disappointed with her first round display in the Bushrangers' 26-point loss to Bendigo Pioneers at Yarrawonga and she'll have to wait a little longer to bounce back after Sunday's clash against Geelong Falcons was cancelled due Victoria's five-day COVID lockdown.
"There was a lot of new girls that played in the team, so I think we're still gelling and learning the brand we want to play," Skepper said.
"I think I could have played better on the weekend and I've still got heaps to work on."
"I've been playing more in the middle and resting down back."
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Skepper expects another tough contest against the Falcons and will come up against some familiar faces.
"There will be a few girls I've played with for Vic Country playing there, so it will be good to catch up with them and see how they're tracking as well," she said.
"I'll definitely try to make that team again.
"The bigger goal is to make academy teams at the end of the year, but I'm not really sure how that works yet. Vic Country is my main goal.
"This is kind of my second year (at the Bushrangers) because last year got cancelled. I played three games at the end of my first year (in 2019) because I wasn't allowed to play earlier due to my age."
There is five changes to the side with India Lehman and Olivia Cicolini back from injury, while Kaylea Kobzan (Murray Felines), and Taylah Power (Alpine Lions) and Bonny McKean (Wagga Tigers) will all make their debut.
Bushrangers assistant coach Mario de Santa-ana said round one was a learning curve for the players, but was pleased with the way they responded this week.
"Training was enthusiastic and the players spent some time reviewing game vision and identified areas to focus on. The rust was chipped off last week and the girls are now ready to play at the elite level," he said.
De Santa-ana also paid tribute to Shanay Desmond who will miss the rest of the season with a ruptured ACL.
"Unfortunately Shanay has experienced two previous knee injuries," he said.
"We are confident that this courageous and resilient young woman will face up to and conquer this challenge that she currently faces."
The Bushrangers are scheduled to return to Bendigo next Saturday to take on Greater Western Victorian Rebels if the Victorian lockdown is lifted as planned at midnight on Wednesday.