AUSTRALIAN RULES
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THE Bathurst Bushrangers will lend a large contingent to the AFL Central West team tomorrow as they take on Northern Riverina in the annual Matt Smith Memorial Trophy showdown.
Northern Riverina ran rampant in the corresponding fixture last season, but Central West will be keen to turn the tables when they line up in Orange.
In recent years the Bushrangers have dominated the side and once more in 2014 they have a huge presence with seven regulars gaining a spot in the squad. An eighth is on standby in case of injury.
As reigning premiers Orange have had nine players selected and coach Mark Kennedy is delighted with the amount of players in general who put their hand up for consideration to be picked.
Former Bushrangers mentor Kennedy said the Orange contingent will play a vital role in the stronger, new-look squad’s game-plan.
“We had the most names for selection we’ve had in years, about 40,” Kennedy said.
“It’s a very strong squad and it’s the most Orange guys we’ve had in years, which is a reflection of their ability and last year’s form. They’ll all be very important to our chances.
“Last year we were away from home and it’s always tough for us to travel. We won the trophy the year before that in Bathurst and this is a big opportunity for us to do so again.”
Of the Bushrangers players picked, there are no major surprises with Dennis Pedemont, Steve Grundy, Matt Archer and Tim Hunter being joined by Jack Vogan, Shaun Noyen and Alex Davies.
Jack Allars has also been named as an emergency for the Central West team.
A sprinkling of players from Young, Dubbo and Cowra round out the squad, who will get a rare chance to play on some hallowed rugby league turf and under lights.
Kennedy went on to credit his team’s annual opponents, before adding how excited his players are to take to Wade Park – the first time in recent memory the ground has hosted Australian rules.
“Northern Riverina have been very strong for a long time, they’ve played footy there for over 100 years,” Kennedy said.
“They’ve got a lot of very good players and they’ll be tough, but we’re confident. Playing at Wade Park is great, playing under lights against quality opposition who beat us last year. Being at home should help us.”
Plenty of Bathurst youngsters will also be in action in the junior grades which will run throughout the day leading up to the main event which kicks off at 4.30pm. Gates will open at 8.45am.
CENTRAL WEST: D Pedemont, S Grundy, M Rothnie, T Barry, M Archer, T Hunter, D Hunter, P Jenkins, J Hewitt, C Rothnie, K Woodman, B Monaghan, J Bubnich, M Dippolito, J Vogan, D Bruce, S Pearce, S Herzich, B Holgate, S Noyen, A Davies, J Allars (emergency).