Stars of the Wimmera Football League will set aside their club rivalries and band together for a common goal after the final interleague team was announced on Thursday night.
The side travels to face the Murray Football Netball League intent on representing their region and clubs with pride.
A strong squad, featuring many of the league's finest, is confident of returning from Shepparton victorious.
Minyip-Murtoa's Luke Chamberlain will lead the side as captain, an honour he didn't expect.
"When Guy started talking to me I thought he was actually going to drop me, so it was kind of a shock, but definitely a good one," he said.
"But, I'm excited to play in a big game like interleague, and I suppose a little bit nervous too after being given the captaincy."
Coach Guy Smith wanted the clubs to have a more significant input this year and has the support of Horsham's Tim Wade, Ararat's Shane Fisher, Southern Mallee Giants' Coleman Schache and Horsham Saints' Luke Fisher, as his assistant coaches.
Chamberlain said the inclusive approach helped the team band together.
"Throughout the year these guys are your opposition, and you want to beat them at all costs. But, for the few weeks you train and on the game day you become best mates," he said.
"The way Guy has set it up this year you've already got the camaraderie from playing somewhere you know, and it helps to gel a bit on the field too."
The interleague side faces a tight contest against the Murray Football Netball League, who are ranked 15th in AFL Victoria's Community Championships rankings.
The leagues last met two years ago, with the Murray league running out 22-point victors.
Cam Illet is a standout for the opposition after relocating to Tonagla in the Murray league this season from the NT Thunder, where he was crowned captain of their team of the decade.
However, a lot remains unclear until both teams take to the field.
"One of the things interleague is about is the unknown," Chamberlain said.
"All we can do is control what we can and stick to our structures, and hopefully the score can take care of itself.
"It's probably the best-skilled game you'll play in all year, but we're not travelling across to Shepparton just to fill the day in. We want to perform well and come away with a win."
FULL TEAM
Ararat - Dylan Shelley, Riley Taylor, Tom Mills, Cody Lindsay
Horsham - Dawson Cross, Rhona Conboy, Sid Hernon, Billy Carberry, Deek Roberts, Beau Cross
Horsham Saints - Andrew Deveraux, Luke Fisher, Sam Jasper, Jacob O'Beirne, Alexander McRae
Minyip-Murtoa - Luke Chamberlain, Jae McGrath
Nhill - Jake Harrap
Southern Mallee Giants - Sam Weddell, Coleman Schache, Lou White
Stawell - Tom Taurau
Warrack Eagles - Jake Peters
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Matt Currill
Matt covers the Ballarat Football Netball League and cricket. Get in touch at matt.currill@thecourier.com.au
Matt covers the Ballarat Football Netball League and cricket. Get in touch at matt.currill@thecourier.com.au
