Saints’ best could light up the MCG

Benalla’s top players may have a chance next year to play on the hallowed turf at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The fixture for the 2018 Worksafe AFL Victoria Community Championships was released on Monday with the exciting news that the GOTAFE Goulburn Valley League could be playing against the Balla- rat league at the MCG on Saturday, May 19 as the curtain-raiser to the Essendon versus Geelong country round blockbuster.

While there are still a number of details to be finalised and the fixture needs final approval through both clubs and the AFL, the Saints’ best players now have the chance to represent their league in front of a massive crowd on the MCG turf.

Goulburn Valley League chairman David Roff said he could not be more excited at the opportunity.

‘‘We would consider it a great recognition for the GVL and Ballarat to represent country footy as part of the AFL’s country game celebrations,’’ he said.

‘‘Interleague is very important to our league and the opportunity to represent the GVL is a prestigious honour for our players. To play in this game will add another level for everyone involved.’’

Details of possible under-18 and netball fixtures will follow when they have been confirmed.