The team to represent the VCFL District leagues in division two of the Australian Country Football Championships will be selected from this squad.

Peake, 30, said he was shocked when The Advocate approached him because he hadn't heard of his selection.

It is the first time Peake has been selected in the squad.

"When you're 30 you don't expect it," he said.

"I've been riddled with injuries. I only play 10 to 12 games a season."

Peake, who is a physical education teacher at Castlemaine Secondary College, said footy had been his life since his father played football.

"It's second nature to me," he said.

He was part of the Hepburn Springs premiership team last year and is playing another season with the club.

Coach Ivan Pyke said he was thrilled with the talent in the squad.

"We have held several training runs at various locations around the state over recent weeks to ensure everyone had a chance to be included and believe we have selected a squad that will be very competitive and hopefully retain

the championship title," Mr Pyke said.

The VCFL District team is the defending champion after winning division-two title in Bunbury, Western Australia, in 2004.

The team will take on Queensland, New Zealand and an Aboriginal All Stars team on the Gold Coast from July 28 to 31.

A training session was held last Sunday at Melbourne's Lexus Centre, where the senior state team, under the guidance of former Kangaroo champion Leigh Colbert, was put through its paces.

Peake said he picked up a few tips at the training session and would continue training every Sunday until the squad was named.

"It would be great to get away," he said.