“We are going up there with a really positive attitude,” Mansbridge said.

“It’s probably the strongest side we have had for country week in a while.

“We want top try and have a crack at division one and I think we have a really good opportunity to do that this year.

“There is a good mix of experience from the clubs in the association who have volunteered to go to Bendigo and we expect a good result.”

Mansbridge believes all the players selected in both division two and three sides are capable players and he also highlighted the depth in the division two side.

For division three the GCA has gone with a youthful approach, to build a strong base of young players with country week experience who will learn and become better players for future Grassmere country week teams.

The players selected to represent Grassmere at Bendigo country week, which begins on Monday are;

Division two: Paddy Mahony (captain), Daniel Meade, Braden Hotker, Peter Sedgley, Daniel Roache, Ben Julius, Jethro Serle, Phillip Edwards, Daniel Ryan, Liam Balcombe, Stephen Blacker, Brendan Chatfield.                                 

Division three:  Brian Wilson (captain), Joseph Forrest, Connor Umbers, Tyson Umbers, James Cole, Kyle Buchanan, Harrison Cozens, David West, Brad Smith, Rhys Dews, Adam Larkins, James Tarbolton, Corey McKenzie, Craig Spikin.