VICTORIA’S JUNIOR STARS MISS CHANCE TO STRUT STUFF

IT’S season over for Victoria’s top junior footballers in another blow for the state’s draft prospects.

The remainder of the NAB League season for metropolitan teams has been cancelled and the AFL confirmed on Friday that Vic Country and Vic Metro will not compete at the national under-19 championships.

South Australia and Western Australia kicked off the carnival last weekend in Perth but, for the second consecutive season, Victoria’s top draft chances won’t get an opportunity on the national stage as a result of the state’s Covid situation.

“All levels of the game across Australia have been impacted by the health pandemic this year and it has been another challenging year for everyone connected to football,” AFL Talent Pathways boss Tristan Salter said.

“These players represent the future of Australian Football and like all footy fans, we’re disappointed we can’t host the best football talent in Melbourne this year.”

Father-son prospects, and Oakleigh Chargers pair, Nick Daicos and Sam Darcy have confirmed their place at the top of the draft pool

Last year, despite the junior football blackout, 12 of the first 20 players drafted were from Victoria – the average over the previous five years was 13.