YOUNG gun Josh Bench is among the eight ‘chosen ones’ from the Western Jets about to embark on an extensive trial with the Vic Metro under-18 squad in the hope of landing a spot on the team for the elite national championships.
The exposure afforded to talented young footballers at these championships is simply priceless with AFL recruiters watching on like hawks, games televised live to a nationwide audiences and dissected in the print and social media.
Bench, a product of the Albion juniors, has given his chances of making the final cut a boost with a consistent start to the season with the Jets in the TAC Cup.
The 17 year old has turned from a crumbing forward in his handful of games with the Jets last season to a damaging midfielder.
“He’s developed this year and is playing really good footy at the moment,” Jets region manager Shane Sexton told the Weekly. “He’s tough inside and also has the outside aspect to his game.
“He runs and carries and can be creative.”
The Jets in the under-18 Vic Metro training squad are: Lachlan Hunter (Williamstown), Ashlin Brown (Hoppers Crossing), Ajdin Elkasovic (St Albans), Spencer White (Spotswood), Harley Walshe (Spotswood), Josh Bench (Albion), David Iaccarino (Williamstown) and Jake McKenzie (Altona).
