THERE is no shortage of talent on show for the Victorian and Allies trial matches at Ikon Park tomorrow. Whilst in the past many of the AFL Academy players have sat out, both Vic Country and Vic Metro have brought plenty of top-end talent to face the Allies ahead of the National Under 18 Championships. Vic Country will play the first game at 10am before Vic Metro face the Allies at 12.30pm.

Geelong Falcons star and top five hope Sam Walsh will line-up for Vic Country, joined in the midfield by Gippsland captain Xavier Duursma while the likes of Murray Bushrangers’ forwards Zane Barzen and Hudson Garoni and Dandenong Stingrays pair Bailey Williams and Bailey Schmidt provide the targets down forward. In defence, overagers Matthew McGannon and Laitham Vandermeer provide some experience in the Country colours, while Matty Lloyd will play just his second game of football this year.

Ben Kelly might find himself opposed to a Bushrangers teammate at times when he fronts up for the Allies, while others to watch include top 30 hope Chayce Jones, and Northern Territory excitement machine Michael Mummery. In game two, all eyes will be on North Melbourne Next Generation Academy member Tarryn Thomas, joined in the side by fellow AFL Academy member Matthew Green, and GWS GIANTS ruckman Kieren Briggs.

For Vic Metro, they have gone the traditional route with no top-age AFL Academy members, however tall forward Emerson Jeka will provide a target up forward – the bottom-age Academy member is a potential top 10 pick next year. Metro is yet to reduce its squad numbers down and will use the trial as an opportunity to do so. Among the top prospects to watch are Western Jets’ captain Xavier O’Halloran and Oakleigh Chargers’ Joseph Ayton-Delaney, with Eastern Ranges’ Jamieson Rossiter fresh off a six-goal haul in the TAC Cup last week.

GAME 1: SUNDAY MAY 27, 10AM

VIC COUNTRY

ALLIES 1

GAME 2: SUNDAY MAY 27, 12.30PM

VIC METRO

ALLIES 2