The first edition of this series takes a look at the league’s 21-and-under stars who are making a mark for their clubs, some just getting their start at senior level and some who have already become a key cog in the top grade.
And while the names mentioned here form just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the talented young GVL cohort, these are some of the leading names in our local area.
For the sake of this exercise, we’ll be looking at players under the age of 21.
Hugh Byrne (Echuca)
A consistent presence at half-forward for the first-place Murray Bombers this season after first tasting senior footy towards the end of 2022.
Byrne has eight goals from his seven appearances this season while not playing for the Bendigo Pioneers, where he has booted 15 goals. Averaging 12 disposals, six contested possessions, and six score involvements a game.
Best performance: 15 disposals, 10 marks, and two goals helped Echuca sink the Shepparton Bears in round five.
Noah Langborne (Echuca)
The young Murray Bomber talent debuted in round four and hasn’t looked back.
Still a thirds-eligible player, Langborne has managed 11 games since his debut, notching an under-18 interleague appearance for the GVL earlier in the year.
What has impressed so far has been his poise with the ball in hand; Langborne’s disposal efficiency currently sits at 80 per cent, one of the best movers in the competition.
Best performance: Langborne wasted no time settling into life at senior level, collecting 19 disposals at 79 per cent efficiency, five contested possessions, and one goal in his debut against Shepparton Swans.
Mitch Cricelli (Rochester)
Already a noted star of the league, Cricelli has taken his game up a notch.
The 20-year-old has shouldered the majority of the Tigers ruck duties and has been one of the Tigers' best players this season.
He averages 17 disposals, 10 contested possessions, four clearances, and 20 hit-outs a game. Cricelli will be a key part of Rochester’s rise back up the ladder in 2024.
Best performance: Collected an eye-watering 37 disposals, 23 contested possessions, 13 marks, 44 hit-outs, and 238 ranking points in round 10 against Shepparton United.
Nate Rasmussen (Rochester)
A famous name at Rochester, Nate is carrying the Rasmussen tag admirably at Moon Oval.
Building on a senior debut last year, Rasmussen is one of a promising young Tiger pack coming through the ranks of Rochester, managing 15 games in 2023.
Best performance: Showed a glimpse of his potential against Shepparton United with a 22-disposal game against the Demons.
Reuben Rode (Kyabram)
The Kyabram speedster has been a valuable addition to the Bombers ranks this season.
The former Calder Cannon has been a livewire in his first season at Kyabram Reserve, providing plenty of run and dash for the resurgent Bombers.
He has been averaging 15 disposals, five contested possessions, and four marks from his 13 games.
Best performance: Another player who started strongly with their new club. Had 23 disposals, 10 marks, seven inside-50s, and a goal on debut against Rochester in round one.
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