GREATER Western Victoria (GWV) produced a remarkable postseason run to reach its first Coates Talent League Grand Final in 27 years. While the Rebels fell short against fearsome opposition in the big dance, their journey from finishing 11th was something to behold. We recap their campaign.

>> 2024 Coates Talent League: Stats | RMC Medal | Team of the Year

GWV REBELS

H&A RECORD: 11th Overall | 6th Country | 5-10 | 92.1%
H&A STREAK: LLLL | W | LLLL | WW | L | WW | L

WILDCARD: def. Tasmania Devils 4.12 (36) to 5.4 (34)
QUARTER FINAL: def. Geelong Falcons 14.11 (95) to 12.10 (82)
PRELIM FINAL: def. Oakleigh Chargers 10.10 (70) to 8.18 (66)
GRAND FINAL: def. by Sandringham Dragons 10.6 (66) to 16.7 (103)

THE STORY:

Injuries to key players hampered the Rebels’ first block of the season, before losing a chunk of said personnel to school and representative football. They broke through for their first win in Round 7, a result which split two four-game losing streaks, but went on to win four of their last six games. That form was carried into the postseason, where GWV raided Tasmania, knocked off minor premier Geelong, and scraped past an inaccurate Oakleigh to reach the Grand Final. What a run.

THE HIGHLIGHT:

Undoubtedly, GWV’s stunning finals series was the highlight of the season, and it’s difficult to single out just one game above the rest. The Rebels weathered a classically dour Tasmanian day to hold on and beat the Devils by two points in Wildcard Round, setting up a meeting with Geelong. The minor premiers proved no match for GWV’s barnstorming final quarter. Next was Oakleigh, who led all day but failed to quell the Rebels’ spirit at the death. It all ended in the region’s second ever Grand Final appearance.

THE STAR:

Undoubtedly the Rebels’ top prospect this year is Sam Lalor. Injury prevented him from turning out until Round 12, and his season ended after just four appearances having sustained a high-grade hamstring injury in Wildcard Round. Still, Lalor led his side into some terrific late-season form, averaging 23 disposals, six marks and six inside 50s. His explosive streak on the inside and ability to go forward are invaluable traits for a midfielder, and he impacts games heavily in both regards.

THE MAINSTAYS:

Despite its home-and-away record, GWV had nine players roll through the Vic Country squad, and eight invited to the national and state draft combines. Outside of those groups, top-agers Reggie Mast and Archie Caldow were mainstays with a full allotment of 19 games.

Along with Lalor, the Rebels had plenty of top-end talent roll through midfield. Usual wingman Jack Ough finished the year there alongside small forward Rhys Unwin, while Oliver Hannaford had spurts on-ball having started the year down back, and charged home as a forward.

The Rebels’ key position pillars were also strong. Jonty Faull booted 27 goals in 11 games, supported by rotating ruck Floyd Burmeister (13). Frontline ruck Flynn Penry was also integral in the back-end of the year despite having missed out on a draft combine invite.

Down back, talls Mitchell Lloyd and Wil Rantall were resolute. The former, in particular, absorbed plenty of pressure across 18 games, taking on some game opponents. Harry Charleson was the designated rebounder having also had a run through midfield early in the year.

Some of the less heralded names to feature prominently include over-ager Harry Lawson, who competed hard at every opportunity. The likes of Ben McGlade (17 games) and Sam McDonald (16) were also constants in the side over the course of the campaign.

THE FUTURE:

One of only three players to turn out in all 19 games for the Rebels this year was bottom-ager Archie Taylor. The quick and agile running defender averaged 15.3 disposals and 5.4 rebound 50s, including highs of 23 and 13 in his side’s breakthrough win in Round 7.

Among the region’s most promising 2007-born talents is Harley Hicks. The speedster was included in the Vic Country talent hub as a bottom-ager and showed flashes of potential in the back-end of the year. Watch for him to build on his output as a midfielder-forward next season.

Along with Taylor, Sam Niklaus and Cooper Glenwright-McGuane were selected to represent Vic Country at Under 17 level. Tall forward Charlie McKinnon and wingman Fraser Molan were other bottom-agers to feature heavily throughout the season, playing a dozen games or more.

The Rebels also unearthed a few Under 16s this season. Tethloach Dak Liem, Ethan Drever, and Michael Hughes all got a taste of Coates Talent League footy after playing together under GWV coach David Loader in the title-winning Vic Country Under 16 side.

SEASON RECAPS:
Country Wildcards | Metro Wildcards
Country Finalists | Metro Finalists
Preliminary Finalists