It will be a welcome return to the field for the former Geelong Falcon, who broke his leg and dislocated his ankle while representing Vic Country during the 2013 National Championships.
Lang is one of 13 AFL senior & rookie listed players named in this week’s squad that also includes AFL late withdrawal George Horlin-Smith, Jesse Stringer, Jordan Schroder, Jackson Thurlow, Josh Walker, Jackson Sheringham, Jed Bews, Joel Hamling and Brad Hartman.
First year draftees Jake Kolodjashnij, James Toohey and Michael Luxford have all also been named in the 27-man squad.
With only 2 weeks until VFL Round 1, a host of VFL listed players such as new recruits Chris Lynch, Cameron Tudor, James Linton, Fraser Fort, Kieren Paliouras and Jordan Duncan will all get another opportunity to impress the VFL selection committee.
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Newly named team leaders Dominic Gleeson and Jack Hollmer will be rested for the match, along with Kane Leersen who last weekend won his second consecutive NTFL premiership with NT club St Mary’s. 23-year-old Leersen was awarded the Chaney Medal for his best on ground performance in the 21-point victory over the Wanderers.
VFL listed trio Tom Maas (calf), Luke Bath (shin) and Jay Lever (hamstring) will miss the clash through injury, while first choice VFL listed ruckman Andrew Banjanin is heading overseas and will be unavailable for the VFL Cats until Round 4.
The travelling exploits of the one they call ‘Banjo’, the season ending injury to Nathan Vardy and the new look AFL ruck configuration have left the VFL Cats without a recognised ruckman. The ruck shortage will allow the likes of Josh Walker, Joel Hamling, Fraser Fort and Cameron Tudor the opportunity to display their versatility as makeshift ruckmen.
The practice match promises to be of a high standard with Essendon VFL naming a squad that includes a plethora of AFL senior and rookie listed players that includes Courtenay Dempsey, Leroy Jetta, Tayte Pears and Jake Melksham,
The match starts at 11.00am with the Polly Farmer Gate opening at 10.00am. Entry is FREE.
As will be the case for all VFL matches in 2014, VFL supporters will be watching the game from the Eastern side (Hickey Stand) of the ground.
The VFL Cats change rooms and coaches boxes and the interchange benches of both sides will continue to be based out of the Brownlow Stand, however no public seating will be available on the Western side of the ground.
Bendigo Bank Cats Selected Side – Practice Match 2
B: Jed Bews, Jake Kolodjashnij, James Toohey
HB: Jackson Thurlow, Matthew Sully, Chris Lynch
C: Jackson Sheringham, George Horlin-Smith, Darcy Lang
HF: Daniel Gibbs, Joshua Walker, Brad Hartman
F: Cameron Tudor, Joel Hamling, Michael Luxford
R: Fraser Fort, Jordan Schroder, Jesse Stringer
I/C: (from) James Linton, Daniel Measures, James Linton, Mitch Herbison, Kieren Paliouras, Zak Sherman, Jordan Duncan
Emerg: Dane McFarlane, Tom Atkins, Josh Finch
