THERE is not a large volume of junior pathways action around the country this weekend, though Victoria’s second Young Guns showcase headlines the upcoming fixtures. After dispatching of a makeshift Metro Under 18s side by 58 points last week, the over-age squad is now set to lock horns with a strong looking Country outfit at Princes Park on Sunday.

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The clash looms as another chance for mid-season draft candidates to stamp their claims as potential AFL-level talent, given said intake is set to take place on June 1. A few Young Gun squad members already look like locks too, with Dandenong Stingrays mid-forward Jai Culley and Sandringham Dragons ruck Max Ramsden among the leading pack.

Overlooked in 2021, Culley was relatively new to the elite talent pathway. Now in his second season with the Stingrays, he has dominated as a 193cm utility who can compete overhead, kick goals, and display great skill for a player his size. Ramsden is another unique talent fresh to the NAB League. He impressed in last year’s APS competition with Melbourne Grammar and looks a step above rucks his age, able to get from contest to contest.

The pair will again turn out in the Young Guns lineup, along with fellow mid-season fancies Hugo Hall-Kahan (Sandringham) and Massimo D’Ambrosio (Western Jets). The former is a dynamic 188cm goalkicker, while the latter has been prolific as a small defender, co-captaining Western’s campaign. Last week, D’Ambrosio also got the matchup on Harry Sheezel, arguably Metro’s best selected talent.

Others to watch include Bendigo Pioneers small Harvey Gallagher, who booted 5.4 last time out, and there are a raft of Vic Country Under 18s to keep an eye on too. AFL Academy members Jhye Clark, Oliver Hollands, Henry Hustwaite (all 2004-born), Zane Duursma and Harley Reid (both 2005-born) headline a strong squad which will be coached by Geelong Falcons’ Paul Corrigan. Click here to watch the stream at 1:30pm.

Before the Young Guns and Country boys do battle, another marquee bout will serve as the day’s curtain raiser. The Fitzroy Cubs, a program dedicated to showcase culturally diverse talent ahead of the midseason draft, will take on Carlton’s VFL side at 10:50am.

State league and NAB League footballers of indigenous or multicultural backgrounds, from each state and territory have been considered, falling into the 19-23-year-old age bracket. The game can be watched via the same stream link above.

There are some familiar, and formerly club-tied talents in the mix. Adelaide Crows Next Generation Academy (NGA) products Isaiah Dudley and Blayne O’Loughlin will feature among others, as well as Essendon father-son candidate Nyawi Moore – the son of Nathan Lovett-Murray. From the Northern Territory, Nigel Lockyer Jnr is always a good watch, as one of a few combine invitees from years past.

Elsewhere, the current NAB League recess sees just one game scheduled, also set to bounce down on Sunday. Interstate mainstay Tasmania plays host to the Western Jets at Windsor Park, with the two regions currently vying for similar ladder positions. The Jets (2-2) will be missing D’Ambrosio, but the Devils (3-1) come in at relative full strength after just one week off.

Around the nation, the annual SANFL/WAFL state game means both competitions will effectively also be in recess. That may be another fixture of particular interest to recruiters given the upcoming mid-season intake, especially with Tasmanian Jye Menzie selected in South Australia’s squad. The goalsneak has been in sparkling touch this season, and can bolster his stocks in a featured bout against some of the best mature-age talent around.

No matter which part of the country you’re from, all signs are pointing towards what looks like another even mid-season draft crop. While there are a few standouts already, more names may pop up over the next couple of weeks ahead of the big day on June 1.

2022 YOUNG GUNS SQUAD:

VIC COUNTRY UNDER 18s SQUAD:

FITZROY CUBS SQUAD: