GREATER Western Victoria (GWV Rebels) funnily enough finished higher than last year, but missed out on finals in 2024. The Rebels landed in eighth spot, but 12 months after playing finals due to being the fourth Country side in ninth and Sandringham Dragons (eighth) missed out, it was a role reversal this year.

GWV REBELS

RECORD: 8th Overall | 5th Country | 5-9 | 52.10%
STREAK: L | LLWLWLLW | W | WLLL

THE STORY:

The GWV Rebels had some up and down form and were fairly consistent and competitive in their efforts, providing a fierce brand of defensive pressure throughout the season. Aside from the first three and last three games of their season, the Rebels went 5-3 through the middle part, even stringing together three wins on the trot in between two byes. The Ballarat-based side that pulled players from all over western Victoria have a couple of top-end draft choices, as well as some promising players for next season.

THE HIGHLIGHT:

Given where Northern finished, GWV’s victory over the Knights in Round 7 was one of the bigger upsets for the season. At their Mars Stadium home in challenging conditions, the Rebels kept the Knights to three behinds in the second half – and scoreless in the last quarter – to come from behind at each break to kick two final quarter goals and win by six points. Isabella Davies had a game-high 25 disposals, as well as four marks, 11 tackles and six rebound 50s to help the Rebels defend valiantly.

THE STAR:

AFLW Academy member Millie Lang provided a force to be reckoned with in defence, and though she missed a number of games later in the season, still fronted up in 12 for the year, one more than last season. Her numbers were fairly similar to her bottom-age season, averaging 23.6 disposals, 3.5 marks, 3.5 tackles, 2.0 inside 50s and 5.7 rebound 50s. The one difference was getting some midfield time earlier in the year having been a pure intercepting defender.

In saying that, her intercepting work is clearly her greatest strength and Lang has some strong hands and a booming left-foot kick. She is capable to using both sides of her body and she throws herself into any contests. While others might be more athletically gifted, Lang has footy IQ, positioning and strength on her side, under standing the game incredibly well and repelling plenty of opposition forward forays.

THE MAINSTAYS:

Another tall talent who should find a home at the AFLW Draft is key position forward turned defender Claire Mahony. The talented athletic forward is an outstanding contested mark and brilliant field kick, spending more time up the field and even on the last line in the second half of the season. She has her inconsistencies at times, but her traits and upside are undeniable and when she is on, she is near-impossible to stop.

Vic Country midfielder-defender Elise Cook enjoyed a really consistent year for the Rebels to earn herself a place in the state side. While inside midfielders are dime a dozen, Cook developed her work out of defence with her skill and clean hands at ground level among her best traits. She has smarts and generally makes good decisions with ball in hand. Fellow Vic Country member Olivia Wolter also put her best foot forward towards the draft, playing in a multitude of positions.

Unfortunately limited to just three games due to injury, co-captain Brook Ward showed talent upon her return, while the definition of mainstay – Davies – was arguably her side’s most consistent player across the entire season.

THE FUTURE:

One name to keep an eye on is Maggie Johnstone who is a powerful utility for next season. She can play on all three lines, has a nice burst and is hard to matchup on thanks to her combination of strength overhead and quick first few steps. She along with Jovie Skewes-Clinton – who played at both ends – are good prospects for next year, as is rebounding defender Elsie Conroy. Another raw but naturally talented player is Ruby Thomas – who can fill in midfielder or forward – and showed some promising games throughout the season.