James Murphy
REGULAR football and netball takes its annual pause this week but the June long weekend brings rep football under the spotlight with the 2023 Interleague Carnival pencilled in at Bordertown.
This year the Western Border Football League gears up for the senior match against Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara, with Mid South East rotated out.
Three-time Millicent premiership coach Clint Gallio has taken on the coaching duties of the WBFL side this year.
It will be his first time coaching the Interleague squad, which is a challenge he said brings both excitement and nerves.
However, he will be well supported throughout the process, while his own accolades speak volumes to his coaching ability.
“Frazer Scanlon and Brett O’Neil are going to help me out on the bench – hopefully I’ll be playing,” Gallio said.
“They have been really good and I have had some good conversations with them.
“I am really looking forward to the challenge.”
Gallio said the first training session went well last week, while they also hit the track again this Tuesday and Thursday prior to Saturday’s game.
He is excited to see what the group is capable of, with a good pool to choose from.
“The blokes who have put their hands up in these sorts of things want to challenge themselves and try the next level,” Gallio said.
“I have been a big supporter of Interleague for many years and I love putting my hand up.
“Rep footy is pretty cool and good to be a part of.”
There is plenty of talent in the side and everyone has been gelling well and enjoying the process.
“We are really keen and having some fun with it,” Gallio said.
“We have a really good group and there are a couple of other coaches there in Kainy (Brayden Kain) and Roo (Daron McElroy), they have both put their hands up which has been really handy.
“Sam Stafford has put his hand up this year – I am really looking forward to seeing him at this level.
“He is obviously a great player and Nick McInerney is always good at these games too.
“They are a couple to look forward to already.”
There is no shortage of experience in the mix, but on the flip side there will also be some who take to the senior Interleague stage for the first time.
“I think we have a good solid mix – we are pretty solid back and forward,” Gallio said.
“I am really looking forward to seeing how everyone goes at this level.”
As per carnival requirements there will a minimum of five Under 21’s in the side, of which Gallio said most will be playing their first senior rep game.
The final team was announced last night with jumper presentations following the final training session.
WBFL INTERLEAGUE TEAM
Brayden Kain (South), Sam Stafford (North), Andrew Stone (West), Sam Willis (Millicent), Mark Rumbelow (East), Mitchell Sims (South), Shaun Lock (East), Clint Gallio (Millicent), Frazer Bradley (Millicent), Kade Bradley (Millicent), Zac McGuinness (Millicent), Jesse Pfitzner (West), Nick Lock (East), Jake Schutz (North), Brandon Newton (West), Sam Waring (Millicent), Alistair McCrae (Casterton Sandford), Nick McInerney (North), Kade Varcoe (Millicent), Kyle Giddings (West), Adam McKinnon (Casterton Sandford), Hamish Telford (North), Cameron Ortlepp (North), Mitchell Cornolo (West), Brett Shepherdson (North), Jarrod O’Brien (Casterton Sandford), Taylor Saffin (South Gambier).
