VIC Country footballer Scott Carlin will use a trial game to push his case for AFL under 18 national championships round one selection.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Terang Mortlake utility is the sole Hampden league representative in the final 38-player Vic Country team.
He will play in a practice match against the Allies at Ikon Park on Sunday ahead of the team’s four-game series in June.
Carlin, who plays for TAC Cup side Greater Western Victoria Rebels, has played for Victoria at under 15 level and Vic Country at under 16s.
The St Patrick’s College Ballarat boarder said making the under 18 team was his main goal for the 2018 season.
“It’s a bit of an honour, not many kids get the opportunity,” he said.
Rebels talent manager Phil Partington said Carlin’s consistency on a wing and across half-back flank caught state selectors’ attention.
“Selectors would have seen how hard Scott works, his running capabilities and his ability to hit targets by foot,” the Vic Country football manager said.
“He gains a lot of metres.”
Vic Country will start its campaign against the Allies at Sydney’s Spotless Stadium on June 9. Its biggest game is against Vic Metro at the MCG on June 24.
“Playing at big ground is a great thrill. It’s where AFL recruiters want to watch players,” Partington said.
Hampden’s Josh Chatfield (Koroit), Lochie Dawson (Hamilton) and Portland duo Harris Jennings and Tylar Watts (Portland) were part of Vic Country’s initial squad.