In short:

• Balranald footballer Lucas Griffiths has been selected for the Bendigo Pioneers' finalised 2026 Under 18 boys squad in the NAB League, Victoria's premier junior football pathway competition
• The NAB League serves as a key development pathway to AFL level, with many current AFL players having progressed through the competition
• Balranald Football Netball Club praised Griffiths' selection as a reward for his hard work, with the Roos family expressing pride in his achievement

Balranald's Griffiths selected for Bendigo Pioneers squad

Lucas Griffiths from Balranald has been named in the Bendigo Pioneers' finalised 2026 Under 18 boys squad, representing a significant achievement for the young footballer.

The Bendigo Pioneers compete in the NAB League, formerly known as the TAC Cup, which serves as Victoria's premier pathway competition for talented junior footballers aged 16 to 18. The league provides young players with opportunities to develop their skills and potentially progress to AFL level.

Balranald Football Netball Club congratulated Griffiths on his selection, describing it as a fantastic achievement and a reward for his hard work.

"The whole Roos family is proud of you mate, we can't wait to watch you take this opportunity with both hands," the club posted on social media.

The Bendigo Pioneers announced their finalised Under 18 boys squad earlier this week, with the Under 16 boys squad to be announced at the beginning of March.

Selection in an NAB League squad is considered a prestigious accomplishment for junior footballers, with many AFL players having progressed through the pathway competition. The league provides elite-level coaching, training facilities and regular competition against other top Victorian talent.

Griffiths will join players from across the Bendigo region in the squad, which draws from areas including Pyramid Hill, South Mildura, Kerang, Golden Square, Echuca and Sandhurst among others.

The 2026 NAB League season will provide Griffiths with exposure to scouts and recruiters as he continues his football development.