Fenton played in a trial match in Melbourne with the extended squad a fortnight ago, but wasn’t picked in the team to play in the National U18 Carnival later this year.

The 17-year-old said the coaches told him he didn’t have enough experience.

“I missed out, they just said I hadn’t been in the system for long enough,” Fenton said.

“It’s obviously pretty disappointing, but I’ll keep going. They said if I keep playing good footy and they’ll have another look, so you never know.” Fenton’s impressive performances for the Bendigo Pioneers in the TAC Cup had him in the initial squad.

For more of this story, purchase your copy of Tuesday’s Sunraysia Daily 12/05/2009.