Gold co-captains Ben Duscher and Trent Shinners, along with Jordan Williams, were yesterday included in the VFL’s initial 32-man squad for the representative game.

“We’re ecstatic as a club to have three players selected in the squad,” Gold general manager Graham Pratt said.

“With Ben and Trent being co-captains, they have really stepped up from a leadership perspective, so it’s great to see them rewarded.

“And Jordan is a young player who was de-listed by Hawthorn last year, but has worked really hard over the pre-season and that effort has been recognised.

“So it’s great for them and us as a footy club.”

The VFL squad also includes Collingwood captain Kris Pendlebury, who previously played with the Bendigo Bombers.

The VFL side will be coached by Port Melbourne’s Gary Ayres.

Reigning premier Port Melbourne – which has now won 28-straight games – dominates the squad with eight players.

The VFL’s game against Tasmania will be played on Saturday, May 26, at Hobart’s Blundstone Arena and be televised live on ABC TV.

The Gold, which sits ninth on the ladder with a 2-4 record, has the bye this weekend.

Meanwhile, the Gold’s Wayne Schultz will have to wait another two weeks before learning exactly how many games his broken ankle will keep him out for.

Schultz suffered the broken ankle in the Friday night loss to Geelong on April 27.

“I’ll have more X-rays in a couple of weeks and they will show how well the bone has fused back. From there I’ll get more of an idea of exactly when I’ll return, but it’s looking like being an eight to nine-week injury,” Schultz said.

“So it puts a bit of a dampener on top of the injuries that we’ve already been struggling with with the senior players at Essendon.”

Schultz joined the Gold this season after last year winning the Bendigo Football League’s Michelsen Medal with Castlemaine.

The 29-year-old started the VFL season in superb form playing in a variety of roles before being cut down by the ankle injury.

“I didn’t know how I’d go after having a year out of the VFL, but I had been going reasonably well before the injury,” Schultz said.

“As long as I maintain myself as much as I can during the rehab, which I am doing, and keep the fitness up then hopefully, I can continue on from where I left off when I get back.”