Luke Barker @luke2Barker
Representative Football
A FEW of weeks ago I was fortunate enough to represent Vic Metro in the clash against Vic Country at Werribee, which was a massive honor and something I will never forget. The EFL was represented with Rennie Gilchrist & I from Balwyn, Ryan Mullet & Justin Van Unen from Vermont, Joel Perry from East Ringwood & Rhett Jordan from Norwood. Pez had the honour of being one of the Vice Captains for the day.
The Vic Metro team was made up of 6 players from the EFL, 4 Players from the VAFA, 4 players from the EDFL, 7 players from the NFL & 3 players from the WRFL.
Vic Country was made up of 6 players from the GFL, 6 players from GVFL, 3 players from the OMFL, 4 from Bendigo, 2 from Peninsula, 2 from Ballarat & 1 from Hampden
The Vic Metro side was coached & selected by Brian Royal, Scott West, Shaun Millane, Michael Ford & Steve Teakel. It was a great experience to be coached by Brian & Scott with their wealth of knowledge from AFL level and to learn some of the techniques that are being taught in AFL club land was invaluable. The entire coaching staff were great people who were giving up their time on cold, winter nights to come and impart some knowledge onto us part time footballers and I would like to thank them all for the opportunity to be able to pull on the Big V jumper.
We trained for 3 weeks leading into the clash in order to instill some game plans & structures into the way we wanted to play. Most importantly however, was to get to know the other guys from the other leagues as we would be all playing together for the first time. All of the players that were in the squad were terrific guys, which I believe was one reason why we played so well on the day. There were no egos, no hang-ups & everyone was there to represent their state (metro wise) and have a great experience.
The game itself against Vic Country was a great game to be a part of. The footy was quick, highly skilled & physical. We controlled the game for most of the day and came away with a 6 goal win. Everyone in the side played well and contributed to a solid team performance. The only downside to the day was Rennie Gilchrist being concussed in the first quarter. I think the difference between the 2 sides was that we were more structured in the way we set up & our defensive pressure was top class.
It was an absolute honor to be selected to represent Vic Metro in this event and something that I will cherish as a proud football moment for the rest of my life and I’m sure every other player who played that day will feel the same. We owe this opportunity to Football Victoria & the Metro Leagues for bringing back the concept (was last played in 1986) and we really hope it stays as part of the Football calendar. Steve Teakel was instrumental in organizing & obtaining the backing of the AFL for the concept and we would all like to thank he & Football Victoria for championing the cause. The EFL under Graham Halbish, Phil Murton & Matt Bishop are also to be thanked for their support for the concept and the professional program they ran for the Interleague carnival.
I have seen some commentary surrounding the concept, including that of the EFL forum, indicating that this game was a pointless exercise & not needed on the football calendar. So what if the game is not for 4 points, is not for a ‘I’m better than you’ contest or surmounts to any great trophy. It is purely an opportunity to play with the best players from the Metro leagues against the best players from the Country leagues in Victoria. It’s a football experience & achievement to be proud of.
Who knows, they might next year pick a combined Victorian team to play against QAFL, NEFL or SA combined team?
It dumbfounds me when anyone says they don’t want to represent their state or ‘doesn’t have time’ for this honor. It is these people who then say ‘I could have played…’ after the fact.
It is a privilege to be selected to represent your league, state or country in anything and it’s something that shouldn’t be taken for granted.
I, and all the players who played in the Metro v Country clash, believe that this is a worthwhile concept and we hope it is an annual/bi-annual event and becomes a key feature of the football calendar for years to come.