THE dream for many young men and now women since the recent rise of AFLW is to reach the ultimate level of Australian Rules Football and make an AFL list with the hope you hear your name called during that particular day in November.

The Alpine Shire has produced some AFL stars, including current AFLW Melbourne star Daisy Pearce, Collingwood gun Jack Crisp, and Fremantle Dockers' forward Matthew Tabener.

For many, the path is simple, with scouts looking at them from a young age and being part of the underage National Championship's sides.

Still, for one young Myrtleford and Murray Bushranger, the dream has become a tad more difficult after just missing out on donning the Big Navy V.

Thomas Cappellari has been playing out his football this season with the Murray Bushrangers, who are currently sitting fifth.

He had the opportunity as part of the selection process for Victoria Country.

Cappellari got the opportunity to play against the Colgate All–Stars and a squad of metro players for his chance to play in the National Championships.

Cappellari describes himself as an outside midfielder, using his running ability to support his teammates all around the ground with speed throughout the wing.

The Bushrangers' winger said being able to have the experience of playing for Vic Country was terrific and he is hoping he can keep pushing on throughout the rest of the season.

"Being able to play in the Colgate All Stars game was an eye opener...seeing what I have to do to reach that next level of my football," he said.

"My ultimate goal is to be drafted into the AFL but there is still a long way to go and a lot of time till draft night."

While not being a part of the final squad for the U/18 National Championships is disappointing for Cappellari, he is still looking ahead to what is to come with the Bushrangers and hopes he can make the squad due to face off on grand final eve.

"At the moment I was disappointed at the time as I was really hoping I'd make the first team but I now know I just have to come back to the 'Bushies' and play some really consistent footy and hopefully get a look in down the track," he said.

Only five rounds remain in the 2022 NAB League, and Cappellari hopes he and his Bushies' teammates can continue to move up the ladder with the hope the team can push for finals.

"I'm hoping I'm able to put my best foot forward for the team, and to be able to get my name out there so at the end of the season I'll be able to hear my name on draft night," Cappellari said.

"I know there is still a long way to go but I'm hoping all the pieces can just fall into place."

The following five to 18 months could be a significant turning point in Cappellari's football journey with the belief he can make the top level and play in the AFL, but for now, he is looking forward to the remainder of 2022 and will see what 2023 has to offer.

"Next season if I don't get drafted I'll look to play for the Bushies again in my top age year and also Myrtleford when I can...hopefully I can play in the VFL," he said.

"Another year in the NAB League won't hurt as I feel I can get more development and it's also closer to home."