The Bendigo Pioneers' success in this week's AFL drafts should be an inspiration to young players across the region, according to coach Damian Truslove.
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Despite not playing any NAB League matches in 2020, the Pioneers had four players find AFL homes - Seamus Mitchell (Hawthorn), Josh Treacy (Fremantle), Jack Ginnivan (Collingwood) and Will Shaw (GWS Giants).
"It's been a great story for our region. It shows you don't have to live in (major centres) Bendigo or Echuca to get drafted from our program,'' Truslove said.
"Josh Treacy from Cohuna, Seamus Mitchell from Robinvale, Will Shaw from Deniliquin and Jack Ginnivan lives in Castlemaine - it just shows that no matter where you live in our vast region you can get drafted.
"Those four boys, in particular, in the COVID-19 break really worked hard with their training.
"They worked in the gym and worked on their running and they were recognised for their hard work.
"We'll certainly use that in driving our current group. If they really want to get there, they'll give themselves the best opportunity if they do the work."
No-one did more work over the past 12 months than co-captain Treacy.
The key forward always had the talent to play at the next level, but AFL clubs wanted something extra and he left no stone unturned in his bid to be drafted.
"The feedback Josh got 12 months ago was that the AFL clubs wanted to see more speed from him and he needed to lighten off a little bit,'' Truslove said.
"Josh probably had a body suited to AFL in the 1980s and 1990s.
"He worked on that this year and he came out at the combine and broke three seconds for the 20m sprint.
"He worked so hard during that COVID period. He's such a great kid and such a great leader. He'll do well at Freo."
Ginnivan also changed his game in 2020, but his growth was as much mental as it was physical.
"Jack had a really big 12 months,'' Truslove said.
"Not long after I first met him about 12 months ago, Jack came to me and said "I have to improve my leadership and I have to start playing a team focused game".
"That really blew me away. On the back of that he became our vice-captain and he matured as a person.
"He would have been captain of the Bendigo Senior Secondary College team if we had played because he really drove that group.
"Jack's really grown up as a person. He talks about being humble and that's the word he always comes back to.
"The future is exciting for Jack. He'll play some VFL footy, but I'm sure he'll work his way into the AFL because he's so gifted."
Truslove was elated Shaw was promoted to the Giants list as a category B rookie.
The unheralded defender/wingman impressed Truslove in his first year at the club.
"Will Shaw is a fantastic story,'' he said.
"He's worked so hard. He's driven down from Deniliquin for training. He's quiet and unassuming, but he just gets the job done.
"He's tough and he has endurance and speed, which is an unusual combination.
"He'll fit in well at the Giants."
Mitchell's combination of speed and athleticism caught the eye of all 18 clubs, but it was the Hawks who drafted the talented teenager with selection 29 in the AFL National Draft.
It could turn out to be a bargain selection, with Truslove confident Mitchell will thrive under the guidance of Alastair Clarkson.
"Even in the VFL, the Hawks now have Sam Mitchell and Andy Collins coaching. Seamus will have great people around him,'' Truslove said.
"The Hawks are renowned for having a great supportive culture. Seamus is pumped, he's so excited.
"He's a special kid and such a talent. If his body holds up he'll play senior footy pretty soon, I have no doubt."
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