Kerridge has been picked in the final Vic Country team which will play in the National Under 16 Carnival in Sydney in two weeks, and will be coached by former Magpies skipper Buckley.

The 16-year-old Collingwood supporter said the chance to learn from Buckley was better than winning the carnival.

“He used to be one of the best players going round so having him as coach is good enough (it doesn’t matter how we go),” Kerridge said.

“I haven’t got his autograph yet so I’ll have to make sure I do that.”

After being named in the initial training squad, Kerridge has been travelling to Melbourne once a fortnight to train and play in trial matches.

For more of this story, purchase your copy of Wednesday’s Sunraysia Daily 24/06/2009.