CTV > Tarkyn Lockyer's Tuesday press conference

EIGHT Collingwood players have earned selection to the Victoria and Dream Team squads for the AFL Hall of Fame Tribute Match, to be played at the MCG on May 10.

For Victoria, Travis Cloke, Josh Fraser, Heath Shaw, Dane Swan and Dale Thomas have been included, while Leon Davis, Alan Didak and Tarkyn Lockyer have been named in the Dream Team's extended list.

Some of the potential Magpie representatives speak about what inclusion in the squads means to them.

VICTORIA

Travis Cloke
"I received a text message this morning to tell me I was in the squad, and there's still a fair bit to go now to make the team, but it's a nice little acknowledgement to get now.

"It's probably not the same as it was a few years ago but this is as close as it's going to get, and I think it will be an amazing spectacle for the crowd and anyone involved in AFL football to watch.

"Collingwood has a few in each team so it will be interesting if a few of the boys have to line up on each other.

"I'm quite happy to not have a week off. Anyone who gets the opportunity to play will jump at it; no one will knock it back, and I think that's the real positive about it this year. All the players are getting behind it and looking forward to that one day."

Josh Fraser
"It would be a great honour to make the final side. Growing up, you watch all those state games and when you hear from all the great players of the past and how many times they've represented their state, it's always pretty high on their list of achievements.

"From my point of view, if the opportunity came along, it's something that I'd love to be able to look back on when my career is finished.

"It's at an interesting time of year when some guys would really appreciate that week off, and while it would be a great honour to play, it's going to be a bit of a juggling act for some clubs.

"It's terrific that we have eight players in the squads. It's probably a reflection of how even our group is, that we've got eight players nominated, and also a reflection of our last couple of seasons as a group.

"It's terrific to get that acknowledgement and, out of that eight, I'd like to see all of us play."

Dale Thomas
"It would be fantastic to play in the match, because it's the first time State of Origin has been back for a while, and I remember growing up watching it on the telly so it would be great to be a part of.

"Hopefully I can get a kick, if I manage to get into the side. It's always good to play with great players, and in my first two years, I was lucky enough to play with Bucks (Nathan Buckley).

"To play on the same side as some of the greats of the game would just be a great thrill."

DREAM TEAM

Alan Didak
"It would be a great experience to represent the Dream Team alongside some of the biggest names in the game.

"Looking at the squads it really highlights how much talent there is in the AFL at the moment, so to get a game would be a huge honour."

Tarkyn Lockyer
"It's a great honour. It's something that I certainly didn't expect.

"It's a tremendous honour and hopefully I can make it into the side, but we'll have to see. It's still a long way off yet and I suppose if I can keep playing decent footy, my name will get chosen.

"Being from WA, I would love to represent WA at some stage in the State of Origin, but if this is the closest we're going to get for a few years, I'm more than happy to put my hand up.

"But to take on the Vics and beat them would be fantastic."

Collingwood development coach Alan Richardson
"It's good to have so many representatives. It's good for the players to get that recognition, and I know they're really looking forward to having the opportunity to play in front of their peers.

"We're very pleased for the players. It's too good an opportunity for them to pass by, so as long as they're fit and able to follow up the next week, we're happy for them to play.

"It's the equivalent of State of Origin, and I think it's fantastic for those boys to experience that."

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