Dean Siljanoski was rewarded with a spot in the team after impressing selectors with his speed, fitness and ability to go for the hard ball. Dean was a vital cog in the Rams Under 18's team in 2008 and is looking forward to playing a major role in 2009 in the Penrith squad.
Scholarship player and Rams Nick Perry gained selection for the team after a frustrating run of injuries in 2008 that saw him sidelined for most of the season. He seems to have come back better than ever and is looking forward to a big year in 2009.
Tom McNamara also gained selection. Tom made a comeback to AFL and played most of his games in First Grade in 2008 for the Rams which saw him figure strongly in the Best and Fairest awards.
Matt Payne from the Emu Plains/Glenmore Park Lions played nine games with the Penrith Rams Under 18's as well as his own club commitments. He figured seven times in the Best and Fairest count and his selection in the side was almost automatic. Matt was a runaway winner of the Best and Fairest Award within the Sydney West/Sydney South West Under 16's competition this year.
Penrith Swans Under 16's stars, Jake Pianta and Tate Dimech also were rewarded for their great 2008 season. Jack and Tate both played three matches each in first grade with the Rams in 2008 as well as their undefeated premiership with the Swans and will be key players in Coffs Harbour.
Other local players who trialled with the squad included Ben Robinson who appeared to be most unlucky in not gaining selection and will be missed when the going gets tough come January. Kyle McDonagh was ruled out due to injury and had he been available looked almost certain to make the side, whilst Hamish Mulligan kept improving week by week at the trials and gained invaluable experience which will see him play a key role in the Rams 18's in 2008.
The new team was selected from the elite players from Campbelltown, Penrith, Parramatta and North Western Sydney districts.
Congratulations to our local lads and all the best in Coffs Harbour
Last Modified on 20/04/2010 19:00