VIC COUNTRY co-captain James Worpel expects to be fit for the first round of the NAB AFL Under-18 Championships this weekend after overcoming a back injury.
The hard-at-it midfielder is one of 12 Geelong Falcons prospects to be in Country's side for the carnival, but has missed the past four weeks after receiving a heavy knock to his back at TAC Cup level.
The 18-year-old was picked for four games for Country as a bottom-aged player last year and is confident he will run out for his state side against the Allies at Blacktown International Sportspark on Sunday.
Listen to the Road to the Draft podcast with Cal Twomey
"It's kept me out for about four weeks so I have to do a fitness test to see if I'm right to play on the weekend. Hopefully it all goes fine, which I'm sure it will," Worpel told AFL.com.au's Road to the Draft podcast.
"I've had a pretty slow start to the season by my standards I'd say. I've had a few good games here and there but nothing too extravagant."
Check out the Under-18s hub for full fixtures and squad lists
Worpel said his experience last year as part of a Vic Country midfield that comprised early draft picks Hugh McCluggage, Will Brodie and Jarrod Berry.
"I personally take heaps of confidence from that. It gave me a big taste of it so I'm not thrown into the deep end like most of the boys probably are this year who haven't played a game of Vic Country footy before," he said.
This year's national carnival kicks off on Saturday, when Western Australia and South Australia lock horns at Domain Stadium.
More on this week's Road to the Draft podcast:
- The guys give a comprehensive preview of the upcoming under-18 championships
- Who could be the surprises at the carnival? We nominate who may leap into the spotlight
- We chat about the changes to the NAB AFL Draft Combine and why the beep test is gone
- All your Twitter questions are answered
