A 20 possession-two goal debut by Echuca’s Cody Walker was enough of an inspiration for me to take a deeper dive into the outstanding teenage prospects of the Goulburn Valley league.
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Over the next couple of weeks, we will take a look at some of the new faces to the senior competition — promoted from the under-18 ranks of their own club.
Cody Walker, who was captain of the Victorian under-16 team, played his first senior game for ladder leading Echuca in the blockbuster against second ranked Shepparton on June 15.
He was one of two first gamers playing in the match, both the sons of former football stars.
Cody is the son of Andrew Walker, who played 202 games for Carlton and coached Echuca to a premiership on his return to his home town.
Daniel Meek, who played his first senior game for Shepparton, is the son of Darren Meek.
Darren was the coach of Kyabram district league club Avenel’s 1994 premiership, was a champion junior footballer in Seymour and is now a widely respected umpire.
Daniel had 12 disposals, laid three tackles, kicked two goals and amassed 68 ranking points in his first game. He also joined that elite group of players who kicked a goal with their first kick in junior football.
He took one mark inside 50 in the second term and converted the goal.
His third term was his best, collecting eight disposals and 34 ranking points, one inside 50 and two forward 50 tackles.
He kicked his second goal with his only kick of the final term.
Cody’s 20 disposals included 10 contested, alongside five marks and six inside 50s. He laid two tackles and collected 86 ranking points.
A goal assist, and four goal involvements were also part of his first game.
Kyabram has had a number of first gamers this season. Here are their performances:
Adam Pulsoni: While not a true debutante, he has essentially started his senior football career in 2024. He debuted in 2021 at senior level, playing one game.
He has played seven games, including the opening five of the year, before going back and forward twice to the reserves.
He was a product of the under-18 program, playing 18 games and kicking nine goals in 2022 after a nine game 2021 season.
Furthermore, he had season high 48 ranking points in round 10, having 10 disposals and taking six marks. He has twice laid four tackles in a game.
William Burnett: He has played every game this season in the seniors, having played reserves in 2023 following 19 games and 18 goals in his last under-18 season. He played nine under-18 games in the COVID interrupted 2021 season.
A 70 ranking point game in round five saw him have 22 hit outs, five clearances, four inside 50s and 17 disposals. His 16 disposal-seven mark game in round 10 earned him 64 ranking points.
Oscar Dixon: He made his debut on the weekend after being a member of the GVL under-18 team after nine games with the under-18 team and six reserve grade games.
Tyler Norman: Debuted in round seven and now has three games to his credit, but is still eligible for under-18 football next season.
He played 13 under-18 games in 2023 and has played five games in the underage competition this season. Had 11 disposals on debut, took five marks and scored 42 ranking points.
Miller Griffiths: Five senior games this season, after debuting in round five against Mansfield.
He played the first four games in the reserves, having played 40 games at under 18 level in three seasons leading up to this year. Kicked 12 goals in 17 games in 2023 and 19 goals in 18 games the year before.
In round seven against Tatura he had 17 disposals (12 contested), took six marks and scored 85 ranking points after sending the ball inside 50 on three occasions and laying four tackles.
Nick Jephson: Played his first Bendigo Pioneers game in round 11 of the Coates Talent league after playing all nine games to start the season in the senior team.
He has kicked nine goals and twice been in the best players at GVL senior level.
In 2022, he kicked 32 goals in 14 under-16 games and then kicked a goal a game in 15 games at under-18 level.
Represented the GVL at under-18 level this year where he kicked a goal and was among the best players on the ground.
Season-high 25 disposals against Tatura in a 21-point win (20 effective), took a dozen marks and had 123 ranking points on the back of seven inside 50s, three tackles and two goals.
Jephson had 22 disposals against Mansfield, when he took 11 marks, had four inside 50s and scored 95 ranking points. Didn’t kick a goal in that game, but has had 20-plus disposals in four games.
Josh Wild: Debuted in round seven and has played two games, spending the other six weeks in the reserves.
Played 17 reserve grade games last season and kicked nine goals. He crossed to the club from Kerang in 2021.
Next week we will take a closer look at the other club’s teenage talent.
Kyabram Free Press and Campaspe Valley News editor