Dobson and Cowling will represent Vic Country 1 in a one-off clash against its metropolitan counterparts at Bendigo.

The Bottle Greens pair were selected after stunning performances at interleague level in May.

Dobson played a sweeping role at half-back and Cowling provided a strong-marking presence in attack as Hampden demolished Murray league at Reid Oval.

Both players said they were excited to make the Vic Country 1 squad for the first time.

Dobson, 25, and Cowling, 23, will play under former AFL footballer Peter Knights in the final match of a triple-header at Queen Elizabeth Oval. 

Dobson said playing against some of the state’s best was a challenge he wanted to embrace.

“It’s probably a little bit unexpected,” he said of his selection. 

“I am not too sure what to expect.

“It will be a couple of steps up on the Hampden league I would imagine.”

Dobson returned to Victoria Park this season after a year in the Geelong league.

He signed on as a Saints assistant coach, allowing him to work closely with esteemed mentor Adam Dowie.

Dobson said Dowie had imparted a wealth of knowledge, both at training and on game days.

The versatile Saint, who finished second in the Maskell medal count in 2013, said he had played “here, there and everywhere this year”.

Cowling, who played for Vic Country at under 19 level, said he was thrilled to earn a senior representative gig.

The Warrnambool premiership player is in the midst of a career-best season, leading the Blues strongly in injured captain Jason Rowan’s absence. 

“It’s a big honour. It’s probably the best brand of footy I will have played in my career, so it’s a good opportunity to test myself,” he said.

Cowling expects to play forward for Vic Country but is happy to fill whatever role Knights sees fit.

“If the scenario arises and I have to go back and play a different role, I am happy to do that,” he said.

Rain is expected to play a part, but Cowling, whose game is centered around his marking ability, said it would not dampen players’ spirits. 

“I am happy to pull the Big V on,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter what the weather is.

“From all reports the drainage on the ground is good.”

North Warrnambool Eagles utility Sam McLachlan will represent Vic Country against the VAFA in an under 19 showcase.

McLachlan has kicked 19 goals in 10 games for the third-ranked Eagles, playing a dynamic role in the midfield and up forward. 

The teenager joined the Bushfield-based club in 2013 after his family moved to Warrnambool from Colac.

He quickly established himself as one of the Eagles’ most promising up-and-coming players. 

Penshurst’s Will McGregor was picked for the Vic Country 2 squad, which will also play a VAFA outfit.

The three country-versus-city matches will be played as a triple-header.