“This group generally has a six-week build up to the trial matches, but with COVID-19 lockdowns, we’ve had to reduce the amount of training sessions we can run,” he said.
“The boys look like an athletic group. It will just be a matter of giving them some guidance with training in the lead-up to the trial games.
“We have some great coaches to guide these boys through these practice matches and training sessions.”
Successful recruits will then compete in the cup in September in Shepparton. The competition comprises the top under-15 talent in regional Victoria.
Mr Muldoon said it represented an opportunity for young players to start a pathway into higher levels of AFL.
“This all got called off last year, which was unfortunate, but it’s good to get back into it because it gives us that representative program again,” he said.
“Generally, this is the start of their talent pathway, where they’re introduced to the Rebels programs.”
GWV Rebels regional talent operations lead Damien Ross said the under-15s program was one of many routes young players could take to advance their sporting careers. “This is a great pathway for aspiring and talented athletes, but boys and girls might not make those early squads,” he said.
“The time some take to grow and mature happens at different rates – if you don’t make the 15s or 16s squads it doesn’t mean your opportunity won’t come.”
Players: Mitchell Amos, Rory Cameron, Lenny Seater, Noradjuha-Quantong; Lewis Cocks, Jeparit-Rainbow; Jack Dean, Natimuk United; Hugh Dougherty, Lachlan Hobbs, Samuel Janetzki, Jeremy Kemp, Zac Smith, Horsham Saints; Fredrick Frew, Pimpinio; James Jennings, Sonny Kettle, Hugh Toner, Ararat; Hudson McCredden, Southern Mallee Giants; Jaxon Moloney, Warrack Eagles; Luke Monaghan, Swifts; Aiden Richardson, Kalkee; Judd Smith, Owen Summers, Stawell; Lewis Reading, Connor Weidemann, Rupanyup.
Coaches: Shayne Breuer, Ben Lakin, Brett Janetzki, Andrew Devereaux.
The entire June 16, 2021 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!
