Next Generation Academy Tigers, Kydan Atkinson (Mooroopna) and Zach Dwyer (Shepparton) have been selected in the final 25-man Rio Tinto Flying Boomerangs squad.
The Flying Boomerangs will play against the World (Multicultural) Team on Tuesday, July 9 and on Friday, July 12 as part of the AFL Under 16s National Championships, with the location yet to be confirmed.
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Atkinson and Dwyer were both selected as a result of strong performances at the Victorian Kickstart Championships in Gippsland in April and a trial match played at GMHBA Stadium last week.
The Goulburn Valley products were placed on the opposing “Stokes” and “Farmer” teams with both collecting 19 disposals.
Atkinson fought hard for Farmer, who were beaten by 108 points, picking up a team-high five clearances and having 13 of his possessions contested.
Dwyer, playing for Stokes was also strong in tight, with 11 of his touches contested, seven inside 50s, five tackles and a goal.
The Flying Boomerangs program is for both football and leadership development with players exposed to elite training environments and standards to assist their transition into the mainstream talent pathway.
The other core component of the program is to strengthen cultural identity.
The squad of 25 is selected from the five AFL Indigenous Program pillars; communication, resilience, respect and responsibility, cultural identity and leadership.
Atkinson and Dwyer are two of just six Victorians selected in the final squad.