Footballers win Rebels selection

Five Wimmera footballers will strap their boots on for the Greater Western Victoria Rebels this year after winning selection in the under-18 boys’ squad.

Horsham Saint Joel Freijah, Minyip-murtoa’s Oscar Gawith and Tyler Pidgeon, Ararat’s Hugh Toner and Rupanyup’s Connor Weidemann were selected in the squad.

Ararat’s Patrick Toner was selected for the under-16s squad.

The squad will compete in the Coates Talent League, formerly NAB League, with round one on March 25 at Mars Stadium in Ballarat against Bendigo Pioneers.

Talent operations lead Brooke Brown said the players went through a ‘rigorous’ pre-season and two trial games to gain selection.

“They should be congratulated on their hard work and dedication, but really, it’s only just the beginning,” she said.

“It’s exciting to see a number of boys who didn’t make either the 18s or 16s list in 2022 gain selection this year.

“That just shows their drive to succeed and their ability to take on feedback and not giving up.”

Head boys coach David Loader said the coaching team was excited to have arrived at a final list of 43 under-18 players for the season. “The squad has a terrific balance of top-aged and bottom-aged players and a great blend of tall and small players,” he said.

“We look forward to watching the squad develop and grow as young athletes and young men as the season progresses.

“Our playing list will face many obstacles across the season, but I believe we have a squad that will relish the challenges and represent our region admirably.

“Like any squad, players who are excelling outside this squad in local league football have the opportunity to be included throughout the season, and players who have already been selected who don’t meet expectations may be released back to local football.”

Loader said the first home game was going to be a ‘massive day’ for the Rebels.

“We have girls and boys games across the under-16s and under-18s being played at Mars Stadium against cross-town rivals the Bendigo Pioneers,” he said.

“It will be super exciting for our players and their families.”

The Rebels will meet the Geelong Falcons in Warrnambool in July. It will be the first time the Rebels have played in Warrnambool since 2014.

They will also have seven double-header games with the GWV Rebels girls across the course of the season.