Sport

Vic Country trials feature Shepparton prospects

By Callum Farquhar

Apr 28, 2026

Shepparton’s Hunter Howells has pressed his case for further Vic Country selection. Photo by Megan Fisher

As the draft campaign presses on towards the winter months, a couple of Shepparton products pressed for selection ahead of the National Championships in a Victoria Country trial match the weekend before last.

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Vic Country played its state counterpart Vic Metro on Sunday, April 19 in two talent pathway exhibition games at Avalon Airport Oval, Werribee.

Shepparton’s Angus Williams and Hunter Howells were among five Murray Bushranger boys selected for the match, providing a chance for the Bears young guns to press their draft stocks while playing with the state’s best under-age talent.

Murray Bushrangers coach Justin McMahon was also another Shepparton face at Werribee, supporting the Vic Country crew on the weekend camp.

Additionally, Cobram’s Eamon Hyde also impressed in an exhibition under-16s Vic Country trial against Vic Metro.

The Tiger cub starred at Preston City Oval with his intercept marking and physical strength around the contest, playing from anywhere between the last line of defence, midfield and even to the forward line, as he found space inside 50 for a goal from a set shot in the final term.

Vic Country squads for this year’s National Championships are expected to be finalised shortly, following interstate talent pathways Western Australia and South Australia unveiling their team lists last week.