TOM Templeton’s two club seasons might be over but his 2013 campaign will stretch one more game.
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The Portland midfielder’s consistent performances for TAC Cup side North Ballarat Rebels have culminated in selection for the AFL Victoria Young Guns match on Sunday.
Players from VFL, TAC Cup and local competitions, some considered AFL draft smokeys, are invited to play in the game at North Port Oval.
Collingwood rebounding defender Paul Seedsman played in a Young Guns game before he was drafted, as did former Richmond and Carlton utility Andrew Collins.
Port Fairy ruckman Sandy Robinson played in the match last season and subsequently joined VFL club Port Melbourne, which will play in a preliminary final on Saturday.
Templeton is one of three Rebels chosen for the game, which is a curtain-raiser to the Williamstown-Box Hill Hawks preliminary final.
“I didn’t really know much about the whole concept of it before the team was announced and I got notice of my selection,” he said.
“There are two AFL players (Hawthorn-listed Ryan Schoenmakers and Matt Suckling) playing in it.
“I am kind of looking forward to getting another game in front of recruiters because my first (TAC Cup) finals game was fairly poor compared to how I wanted to play and this is a massive opportunity (to make amends).”
North Ballarat Rebels talent manager Phil Partington said the Young Guns game was another chance for Templeton to show his wares.
Partington said Templeton’s pace and long kicking would be suited to what he expects to be a free-flowing game.
“It gives Tom another opportunity to play in front of AFL recruiters and play a high-level intensity type of game,” he said.
“He is a good left foot kick but he certainly needs to work on his right.”
Templeton shared Ballarat St Patrick’s College’s football best and fairest award on Monday night with Rebels teammate Matt Johnston and will attend the AFL state combine on October 4.