Hear from some of the Goulburn Valley League representatives ahead of the interleague clash against Ovens and Murray

By Liam Nash

May 23, 2024

The time is almost upon us, with the Goulburn Valley League guns set to don the purple and gold guernsey in hopes of reclaiming the Ash-Wilson Trophy.

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Hear what some of the players had to say about the contest and occasion in the lead up to Saturday’s blockbuster at Deakin Reserve.

Isaac Dowling - Mooroopna

“Growing up I’ve watched a lot of GV and O&M footy as a kid, so to get a chance to play against them is pretty cool.

“It’s a high standard - I haven’t played at this standard - so it’s a good opportunity.

“There’s only a couple of names that I recognise (in the O&M squad) but based off last year’s game, it was good hot contest and I reckon it’ll be pretty similar to us so it’ll be good.

“Obviously (I’m looking forward to playing with) blokes you play against on the weekend. Harry Mahoney, he’ll be good to play with.

“It’s something that I’ll no doubt look back on. Hopefully I can play for the GV for more years to come.”

Shepparton United's Kyle Clarke can’t wait to have another crack at the O&M after last year’s narrow loss. Photo by Liam Nash

Kyle Clarke - Shepparton United

“No real nerves (ahead of Saturday), just excited to get going as I got the late call-up.

“(Who stood out?) Young Hughy Byrne from Echuca is pretty vocal, too, for a young ‘fella’. We are a fairly young team, so to be vocal at that age is really good.

“I have been playing at the opposite end than I was last year; I’m a forward-mid now. I could go back, though, so I am not too sure - it is up to ‘Chops’ where he wants to play me.

“(I’m excited to play with) Daniel Johnston, I played (Murray Bushrangers) with him a couple of years ago.

“Mainly ‘DJ’ as we had a great relationship a few years ago when we were at Bushies together, so it will be great to pull on the boots with him again.”

Mansfield's Harry Mahoney heads into this weekend’s interleague match in fine club form. Photo by Liam Nash

Harry Mahoney - Mansfield

“Vibes are up. Everyone is keen to test ourselves against the O&M.

“It’s going to be hot footy, good footy, but looking forward to it.

“(Last year) it was an awesome experience, (it was) one of the highest standards of footy I have ever played personally.

“It was really good to meet some of the guys that we play against throughout the season and build some good friendships.

“(I’m excited to play with) a few of the Echuca boys, obviously. I am sick of getting beaten by them, so it will be good to team up with a few of them.

“I’m looking forward to playing on a big ground like Deakin and being out on the wing.”

Echuca's Hugh Byrne is a young gun ready to fire against the country rivals on Saturday. Photo by Liam Nash

Hugh Byrne - Echuca

“Well as a young fella it's a pretty awesome opportunity to go out there and have a crack against some pretty awesome players.

“Yeah, all the boys are pretty excited, but a lot of the (Echuca) boys pulled up sore, so they won’t be playing.

“A few of the boys are in similar boat to me, they’re just really excited for the opportunity to go out there and have a crack and see what kind of footy we’re worth playing.”

“You always strive to play the best kind of footy and obviously interleague is a step up from senior footy. (I’ll) get in and have a crack, and see how I go.

"We're looking to play quick, outside footy, and really take the game on.

“We're not looking to go slow, it's high risk, high reward type game style that we're going to look to play, and I think yeah, we've got a good side in to do that.”