THREE Hamilton Kangaroos senior footballers have been selected in the final Under-23 team to represent the Hampden Football Netball League (HFNL) under coach, Jonathan Brown at Warrnambool’s Reid Oval tomorrow afternoon.

Hamish Cook (full forward), Will Povey (half back) and Ethan Knight (emergency) were selected in the final team following two training sessions with the side.

The trio each put their best foot forward and the showed plenty to the coaching panel made up of Adam Dowie, Nathan Vardy, Brad Thomas, Brody Mahoney and Brown.

There will be plenty of VFL listed players taking the field in the match including Under-23 captain, Archie Stevens (South Warrnambool) who in good form this season with Carlton’s VFL side.

The Bottle Greens will take on the Ballarat Football Netball League (BFNL) who will be coached by Anthony Koutoufides with the match to start 4.15pm.

There will be two games prior to the Under-23 match including the inaugural Under-18 women’s game at 12pm, while the Under-17 men will kick off at 2pm.

Cook was named in the side for the second consecutive year and is one of the most promising young forwards in the competition.

He will line up at full forward and will play a key role if the side is to defeat Ballarat today – he kicked two goals in the match last year.

Will Povey was the other blue and white representative on the field named on the half back line, a reward for the strong season he has put together at senior level.

He has strong versatility within the Kangaroos side and will be looking to lock down on his opponent and make the most of the opportunity.

Knight was unlucky not to be selected on field but being marked as the emergency is still something to hang his hat on, considering the calibre of players in the side.

Povey felt that being a defender gave him a bit of an advantage at the training sessions considering the midfield-heavy squad that was selected.

“I was pretty happy to be recognised, I knew there were a lot of midfielders selected so I thought I had a decent chance,” he said.

“I have played off the half back line most of the season, I think that’s where I play my best footy.

The emerging defender said he was excited to learn under ‘Browny’ and play alongside some of the most talented young players in the HFNL.

“I’m hoping to show my ability to contest the ball in the air and rebound the ball quickly.”

KANGAROOS senior coach, Brad Thomas is part of the coaching staff and said it was a great opportunity for the boys to showcase their skills in a high-level match.

“Cookie made it last year and he’s an important ingredient up forward to try and put some scoreboard pressure on them early,” he said.

“It’s Will’s first time to make it, he’s showing massive growth, he’s a good size, has a good attitude and it starting to realise what he can achieve.

“It’s probably more growing that mindset, he is pretty versatile and started the year really good for us, breaking the lines and strong in the air, he’s an exciting player.

“Ethan Knight was unlucky not to be playing, he’s had a really good year and Vinnie (Vincent Huf) is not far away either

Under-18 women

CAVENDISH trio, Leayla Pohl (midfield), Milly Thomas (interchange) and Matilda Brook (emergency) will be amongst the interleague action today following their selections in the final team to take on Ballarat.

Cavendish Under-18 coach, Dion Rhook said the selections rewarded the dedication of the girls who had all been working hard on their games this season.

“Leayla has been playing on-ball all year in the women’s for Cavendish and the Mixed Under-14s, she is an in-and-under type of player … she finishes with goals and has a penetrating kick,” he said.

“We play Milly across the half back line, she’s our general down back, she repels attacks from the opposition, is very physical and reads the ball well.

“Matilda is the old-fashioned utility type of player, she floats between half back and on-ball, and has played a bit of ruck this year as well.”

Pohl will be one to watch, she is still so young and has been in the best players in 16 out of her 18 matches for Cavendish this year.

The women’s game is the first of an action-packed day of football at Reid Oval with the first bounce at 12pm today.

Under-17 men

HUGH Fitzgerald (midfield) and Zac Elliott (interchange) are the Kangaroos duo to represent the Bottle Greens in the Under-17 clash today.

Fitzgerald is a midfield bull and will be vital to the side’s chances at getting a victory over Ballarat while Elliott will look to provide some spark and forward craft when he comes on.

Under-18 Kangaroos coach, Damien Van Someren said it was reward for effort for the pair who have been key contributors to the success of the Roos side this season.

“It’s very pleasing to see them selected, it goes to show that they have been improving all year,” he said.

“Hughy will bring toughness at the footy and burst away from stoppages with elite ball use, Zac is sort of similar and will probably be on a wing/half forward, his speed around the footy and IQ are great.

“Both of them have been working really hard over the last 18 months and always wanting to improve.”

Brodie Phillips was in the initial squad but will not be playing against Ballarat today due to GWV Rebels commitments.