The formation of the Bathurst Giants club, which has broken away from the Bushrangers and will field teams in this year’s under 12s and 15s competitions, has thrown up plenty of speculation about the future of the Bushrangers’ junior program.

Matheson got on the front foot this week to clarify once and for all that his club wasn’t going anywhere.

“There has been talk going around that we will not be fielding junior teams in 2014,” he said.

“The Bathurst Bushrangers are the current Central West premiers in all junior grades and we will be fielding teams in under 18s, 15s and 12s, as well as running a Sunday morning Auskick program.”

Matheson is one of the longest-serving players at the club, and his son Sebastian went through the grades from under 12s right through to first grade football.

The former title-winning defender will take on the coaching role for the under 15s this season, while 2013 CWAFL first grade best and fairest Paul Long as well as former Collingwood pre-scholarship holder Jack Allars will assist in coaching the junior sides.

With the club celebrating 10 years of existence, registration for juniors has been set at $50 which includes a $50 Sportsco voucher and a training singlet from sponsors McDonalds and Westfund.

Auskick registration is also $50 which includes a pack worth $57.

Despite the upheaval of the junior structure over the last few months, Matheson says that there is no reason to think that his club’s youngsters will struggle.

“Our facilities at George Park are some of the best in the Central West,” he said.

“We have been very encouraged by the numbers at training so far this year and the quality of the players that we have been able to retain. We’ve got Central West under 14s best and fairest Michael Long and Bushrangers’ best and fairest Lachlan Phillips. 

“We have also picked up a few new players that look like being very handy for us.

“[Senior players] Andrew McLennan and Jeremy Browne will take on the role co-ordinating Auskick this season. Both are experienced AFL players and are keen to develop the great young talent that we have.”

In terms of the rivalry between the Bushrangers and the Giants, Matheson said he didn’t see any problems when the time comes for Giants graduates to move into senior football with the Bushrangers, assuming they are still the only senior club based in Bathurst at that point.

“I can’t see that being an issue. Even in our own juniors last year we had two teams in the under 13s and under 11s, and though they played against one another, they all socialised together and got on well,” he said.

“There has been a bit of talk about there being a grudge match or something when the two teams meet, but it is junior footy and as long as they go out and have fun, that’s the focus for us.”

The Bushrangers will hold their registration day at the McDonalds on Durham Street this Sunday between 11am and 2pm, while players can also register at George Park on any Tuesday or Thursday between 6pm and 7pm.