I found some stuff on the mystery lad who did well in our victory against the Bombers reserves a few weeks back.
Bushrangers Jarrod Villani and David Gillespie who have played for the VFL Murray Kangaroos recently.
David Gillespie and Jarrod Villani described their VFL debuts with Murray Kangaroos as awesome.
At the weekend Villani played his third match in succession for the Kangaroos — probably his best, as he was named among the better players for the second time in three weeks.
Gillespie played alongside Villani in the previous two matches against Essendon and Northern Bullants.
Both put in creditable performances in their debuts three weeks ago, without being stars.
Villani and Gillespie, both Year 12 students at Notre Dame College in Shepparton, are excellent examples of the AFL system keeping a close eye on young players.
Both were overlooked for the national under-18 championships earlier this year, but Gillespie was an emergency.
The pair have been in outstanding form for the Murray Bushrangers this year and it was only a matter of time before an AFL club called on the pair to step-up and fill the gaps for injured players.
Their debut was against Essendon, which featured some former team-mates in Marc Bullen and Robert Forster-Knight.
"Bulli (Marc Bullen) was in the centre and Jarrod was going against him a bit," Gillespie said.
"I was playing off a back flank and then went to a wing.
"Jarrod was playing on a wing, where he got three quarters and got in the best."
Villani said it would be important to remain focused in the charge towards the ultimate — a premiership with the Bushrangers.
He is not distracted by recruiting officers watching his football and many others aspiring to play at AFL level.
"I basically take it as it comes," Villani said.
"I want to play well at the right time, and then AFL clubs decide what you do from there.
"You've got to take your opportunities when they arrive and the Kangaroos is one of them."
Both were products of the Goulburn Valley schoolboys and Villani skippered a Victorian under-15 national carnival team.
He was also named in the All-Australian under-15 team after the carnival.
-Sam Saracino (Shepparton News) 10/8/01
Bushrangers Jarrod Villani and David Gillespie who have played for the VFL Murray Kangaroos recently.
David Gillespie and Jarrod Villani described their VFL debuts with Murray Kangaroos as awesome.
At the weekend Villani played his third match in succession for the Kangaroos — probably his best, as he was named among the better players for the second time in three weeks.
Gillespie played alongside Villani in the previous two matches against Essendon and Northern Bullants.
Both put in creditable performances in their debuts three weeks ago, without being stars.
Villani and Gillespie, both Year 12 students at Notre Dame College in Shepparton, are excellent examples of the AFL system keeping a close eye on young players.
Both were overlooked for the national under-18 championships earlier this year, but Gillespie was an emergency.
The pair have been in outstanding form for the Murray Bushrangers this year and it was only a matter of time before an AFL club called on the pair to step-up and fill the gaps for injured players.
Their debut was against Essendon, which featured some former team-mates in Marc Bullen and Robert Forster-Knight.
"Bulli (Marc Bullen) was in the centre and Jarrod was going against him a bit," Gillespie said.
"I was playing off a back flank and then went to a wing.
"Jarrod was playing on a wing, where he got three quarters and got in the best."
Villani said it would be important to remain focused in the charge towards the ultimate — a premiership with the Bushrangers.
He is not distracted by recruiting officers watching his football and many others aspiring to play at AFL level.
"I basically take it as it comes," Villani said.
"I want to play well at the right time, and then AFL clubs decide what you do from there.
"You've got to take your opportunities when they arrive and the Kangaroos is one of them."
Both were products of the Goulburn Valley schoolboys and Villani skippered a Victorian under-15 national carnival team.
He was also named in the All-Australian under-15 team after the carnival.
-Sam Saracino (Shepparton News) 10/8/01
