Olivia Ciccolini (U16) and Lily Sharp (U18) were named as part of the 71 player squad and, if selected, will represent their age groups in the two squads.
The Murray Bushrangers announced the squads on Friday.
Although this was a repeat selection for the girls they were still surprised to be among those chosen, but are ready to play.
‘‘I’m keen to play. They’ve got a new coach so it will be a fun season,’’ Lily said.
‘‘The group of girls who attended the training and skills day last week were really skilled and made it tough competition.
‘‘We had to do a range of ball work drills along with some long distance running so it gave everyone the opportunity to show what they were best at.’’
Due to an appendix removal recently, Olivia was unable to participate in the skills day but attended to show her support and help where she could.
She said it is why she was not expecting to be picked this year.
‘‘I wasn’t able to test and trial for the team but I was still really happy they picked me,’’ she said.
Up to 180 girls from across Southern NSW, North-East Border and Goulburn Murray were initially nominated by their coaches to trial.
At the conclusion of this season, 100 of the girls were then chosen to prepare and then participate in AFLW fitness testing components and skills sessions in Wangaratta on October 4.
Murray Bushrangers female talent coordinator Briana Cossar was delighted with the response and level of talent this year.
‘‘It’s fantastic to see so many talented young female footballers emerging within our regions due to the continued growth of female AFL football,’’ she said.
‘‘The talent pool is growing at a rapid rate and players are emerging at younger ages, making selection of the pre-season squad more difficult.
‘‘We are extremely fortunate to have such quality people as part of our program who volunteer their time and are all passionate and committed to the development of footballers participating in out elite program.
‘‘The satisfaction we all get from watching young athletes develop, not only as footballers, but more importantly as individuals within our community is enormous and we’re really excited without exceptional talent of our 2022 group.’’