GREATER Western Victoria (GWV) Rebels speedster Harley Hicks impressed at the weekend’s Coates Talent League preseason testing event, posting the competition’s top standing vertical jump (88cm). A dynamic athlete native to Deniliquin, he’s looking to earn more midfield minutes as a top-ager in 2025. We chatted to Hicks about the year ahead, his strengths as a player, and who he moulds his game on.

>> Preseason Q&A: Jack Dalton (Sandringham Dragons)

PRESEASON Q&A

Q: Harley, can you start off with some of your early footballing memories?

HH: I started playing Auskick all throughout primary school. I didn’t actually play club footy until Year 6 and funnily enough made the Under 12 New South Wales [state] side. I’ve kind of just stuck at footy ever since then.

Q: How’d you end up in Ballarat from New South Wales?

HH: I grew up in Deniliquin, a small town in rural New South Wales. Then at the end of Year 6 I decided to go to Ballarat Grammar… I’ve been there since Year 7.

Q: What’s it been like boarding at school, do you go back home often?

HH: I go back a bit, but I just try to stay boarding as much as I can. I really love being around my mates and that independent side of schooling.

Q: Have you had any mentors along the way?

HH: I’d have to say the forwards coach at the Rebels, Eammon Gill. He’s been the best fella I know because he was my line coach all throughout last year and we’ve just gotten so close. Even outside footy he’s still there for me.

Q: How has your preseason been so far?

HH: Pretty good actually, a pretty hard summer I’d say. I’ve been lucky enough to be injury-free. I was sick one or two times, but you can’t help that.

Q: What are some of your strengths as a player?

HH: My strengths would definitely be evasiveness, my speed and my ability to pick the ball up below my knees.

Q: Are there any things you’re still looking to improve on?

HH: Definitely endurance, because I’m planning to play more midfield time this year. Just covering the ground and being able to push to contests, and probably just contest work relating to the midfield.

Q: Do you look up to and try mould your game on any AFL players?

HH: I mould my game a bit off Isaac Kako. I’m a Bombers man myself, so I was pretty pleased he went there. Just his scoreboard impact and just his craftiness and how dangerous of a forward he is. That’s who I try and model my game off.

Q: Did you get to play against him last year?

HH: Nah, I was concussed during that game.

Q: Which teammates do you think we should look out for to have a big season?

HH: Definitely Archie Taylor, kid’s a weapon. He put his name out there last year. Also Sinclair Burmeister, he’s been training the house down and ran a six [minute] flat 2km, so he’ll be inn for a good season I reckon.

Q: Lastly, are there any goals you want to tick off this year?

HH: To put my name out there more, obviously. Make the Vic [Country] side and just really enjoy this last year of junior footy. That’s about it.