Six leagues covering Portland to Camperdown and up to Ararat will field sides at under 16 and under 14 level at the one-day carnival.

Hampden White will attempt to defend its under 16 crown,  while Hampden Green is chasing back-to-back success in the under 14 grade.

Their rivals include Warrnambool and District, Hamilton Junior, Portland Junior, Mininera and District and Casterton-Coleraine.

Each will play four matches consisting of 10-minute halves. Grand finals get under way about 3.10pm, with presentations to follow.

But emerging victorious is just one aim, Warrnambool and District under 16 coach Darren Cross said. Development is the main focus.

“The best way to test yourself is to play against the best kids, and that’s what they’re going to do,” he said.

“If they do well, it creates opportunities for them further on. Being under 16, they can still make choices about which way they want to go.”

“At least they’re still at that age where they’re not too late to work towards something (bigger) if they want to get the most out of their footy.” Cross said Warrnambool and District had “a lot of talented kids” at his disposal.

“There will be three kids playing in the under 16s who have played seniors this year, because of the (WDFNL) sub rule,” he said.

Hampden Green under 16 coach Joey Chatfield was also thrilled with his side.

Chatfield labelled Cobden’s Trent Reed and Terang Mortlake’s Scott Carlin — a Victorian schoolboys squad member — as two players to watch.

“I am overwhelmed with the team we have got,” he said. “We have a lot of talls in our side.”

Meanwhile, four Hampden league junior netball teams will play exhibition fixtures against each other as part of interleague action at Reid Oval today.

A 14 and under match will go ahead at 11am, followed by a 16 and under contest at noon.