THE significance of pulling on North Geelong Warriors’ red shirt is not lost on Will MacDonald and Isaac Welsh.
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Both 16, the teenage pair are primed to make an impact in the National Premier League side’s season-opener against Brunswick City on Sunday.
The duo were selected for the Lucas Jankulovski-coached under 18 side on the back of strong trials in late 2017.
MacDonald, from Noorat, has been with the Warriors for two seasons.
For Welsh, a former Warrnambool Ranger, it’s his first state-league berth.
“I heard Will was down there, and Geelong is the closest (NPL) club apart from Ballarat, so I thought I’d just give it a good crack,” Welsh said.
“I’m not totally sure where I’ll be playing but it looks like it could be right midfield, which is good.
“I’m just expecting better quality football, I suppose.”
Welsh revealed a taste of the Ballarat and District Soccer Association had been ideal preparation for his National Premier League tilt.
“It was better than playing in Warrnambool all the time – you’re coming up against really good players every week,” he said.
MacDonald, a central defender, told The Standard his goal was to play as many fixtures as he could.
“I just want to get better and to have a good season – that’s my overall goal. I hope we can help the team to do well, too,” he said.
“The club has been really welcoming. Most of the guys are based in Geelong but there’s a couple who travel from Melbourne and whatnot so that’s good.”
The duo – who share the same birthday – are the only south-west talent in the Warriors squad.
They will balance their soccer commitments with Year 11 studies.