HAVING produced last year’s number one draft pick, Bendigo Pioneers are focussed in on 2023 with another strong group of prospects in two. The Country region boasts two National Academy stars and one of the hardest working players in the competition. We chatted to head coach Danny O’Bree about the Pios’ top prospects and their season ahead.

STORY OF PRESEASON

“We started in November. We probably started with 130 or 120 players and we’re back down to our 43. It’s a really exciting time of the year, just that opportunity to get in and play some footy with a new group.

“We have a couple in the (National) Academy, a couple part of the Vic Country and Allies programs. That’s always exciting. It’s a great time of the year when nationals come along, so hopefully we can get a few more added.”

TOP PROSPECTS

Archer Day-Wicks
Forward/Midfielder | 186cm | 13/05/2006

“His last month’s been really good and consistent. He probably had a limited start to the preseason with a bit of illness and injury, but he’s just starting to get going now. Hopefully the next six weeks he clicks into gear and starts to play his best footy.”

AFL Academy, Vic Country Hub

Jobe Shanahan
Utility | 194cm | 02/08/2006

“I think he’s improved his work ethic. He’s going really well. He’s wanting to tick every box, which is all you can ask for your players going forward. He’s obviously got some areas in his game he wants to work on and keep developing, but we couldn’t be happier with him.”

AFL Academy, Allies

Tobie Travaglia
Defender | 187cm | 26/10/2006

“I think his best position is probably at half-back. Incredible work ethic, the ultimate professional really. He’s in the gym and he’s putting on a little bit of size, which we keep joking about, but I don’t know if I’ve seen a kid that works as hard so I just can’t wait to watch him play footy.”

Vic Country Hub

ONES TO WATCH

“I think we’ve actually got a decent little list there. Archie Watt, I’m so excited to watch his kid play. Obviously he hasn’t been around our program a huge amount. He played one game at Oakleigh last year and goes to Xavier College, so we don’t see a lot of him. But he has really impressed us.

“James Barrat has come back from a navicular injury. Played Under 16s for Vic Country so he’s going to be awesome to see. Zaydyn Lockwood and Taj Bond, our two big boys have been really impressive during training. Hopefully they can transition that into games, they’re really good watches as well.”

LEADERSHIP GROUP

“Still trying to narrow it down… we’ll be a balance of top-age and bottom-age. We’ve got some really good leaders this year. They’re stepping up and they love being around each other. We’re pretty impressed with how they’re bringing everyone else along for the ride as well, which is really important.”

ROUND 1

“Looking out at (Greater Western Victoria) having several Vic Country representatives and their coach (David Loader) he’s a superstar coach, coming from AFL land. They’re obviously the benchmark of the competition, so we’re going to learn a lot from that game.”

vs. GWV Rebels @ Learmonth Football Club
Sunday March 24, 1:00pm

2024 GOALS

“We just want to play a brand of footy that (the players) love to play themselves. They have fun doing it, but it highlights their attributes. That’s essentially what we’re here for. It’s going to be run-and-gun and exciting footy. Hopefully we kick more goals in the opposition from that point of view. As long as we highlight the kids’ traits, I think that’s all we need to do.”