May 18, 2007
From Herald Sun
Reported by Geoff Poulter
THE VFL is likely to field at least two of its prolific goalkickers against Western Australia at Port Melbourne tomorrow week.
"Fingers crossed we don't get any late injuries."
Reported by Geoff Poulter
THE VFL is likely to field at least two of its prolific goalkickers against Western Australia at Port Melbourne tomorrow week.
Six-time leading VFL goalkicker Nick Sautner, of Sandringham, seems certain to be chosen as the spearhead with Werribee's James Podsiadly, the VFL's leading goalkicker in 2005, also likely to be included.
VFL coach Mark Williams said there was no reason why the two could not work well together.
"Dean Limbach (Williamstown) is also in the squad and in consideration," Williams said. "And Andrew Williams is in the mix."
Coach Williams said the VFL was unlikely to play more than three marking forwards.
Of the 39-strong squad, 29 will play in this weekend's VFL Round 7 matches with the other 10 - from Port Melbourne and Werribee - enjoying byes.
The squad will be pruned to 25 on Monday night and then train on Tuesday and Thursday.
"The four selectors each picked their sides and there is a bit of difference, which is good," Williams said.
"Fingers crossed we don't get any late injuries."
The selectors - Williams, assistant coach Simon Atkins (Werribee), Sean Millane and VFL general manager Martin Stillman - were unable to consider Troy Makepeace and Jeremy Dukes with leg injuries, Digby Morrell (rib), Thomas Roach (collarbone) and Hayden Skipworth (knee).
Sandringham veterans Chad Liddell and David Gallagher were unavailable.
The squad features 30 potential first-time VFL representatives. Five played against South Australia in the most recent interstate game in 2005, while the other four have played for the VFL in games before 2005.
Eighteen are aged 23 or under and three AFL-listed rookies - Todd Grima, Jason Davenport and Sam Gibson - were named.
"It is a tough job when you have got so many players in form," chairman of selectors Stillman said.
"There is a completely new wave of players coming through for Victoria."
