OPPORTUNITY is one of the key reasons Lilli Condon has landed back at the Greater Western Victoria (GWV) Rebels in 2022, with the over-ager named captain as one of the region’s more experienced prospects. Having played a key part in her side’s run to a remarkable finals victory last year, Condon is looking to help recreate a similar team bond as she takes over the leadership reins.

“Obviously there were a few hiccups with Covid and everything, but I feel like we had a really strong season last year,” Condon said. “We got through it and made finals, the highlight was in Tasmania – the final which we won by a point, that was pretty exciting.

“We all came together as a team, we had a lot of older girls so we were pretty strong and all got to know each other pretty well. Personally, I felt like I had a lot of improvement from the year before so I was pretty happy… Hopefully (this year) I have a good year with all the girls, get to know everyone and have a few wins.

“My leadership (is a strength) because I’ve been in the program for a couple of years unlike some of the younger girls who are just coming up the ranks. “I feel like I can push everyone and just give advice because I remember when I first started it was pretty daunting.”

Across 10 outings in 2021, the 155cm Condon proved she packed a punch in midfield with averages of 21.5 disposals and six tackles. While she missed out on Vic Country honours, the 18-year-old managed four games in the Western Bulldogs’ VFLW side, but has put commitments in the state league competition on hold in favour of current NAB League opportunities.

Despite the “exciting” learning experience that was, Condon’s decision has proven fruitful thus far, with the diminutive midfielder racking up averages of 22.3 disposals and 5.3 tackles per her three games – both slight jumps on last year’s numbers.

“(VFLW) was like a completely different game,” Condon said. “A lot of the AFLW girls came down which was good because they were just pulling me aside, giving me tips that I’d never been told off other coaches so that was really good… I really enjoyed it.

“It was kind of a decision whether to play VFL, Rebels, or do both but I just decided to go back to the Rebels. “I felt like it had more opportunities for myself and I just love playing there. “It’s such a good level of footy and all the girls and the coaches are awesome so I just thought I’ll take another year while I can.”

Condon’s Rebels are currently 1-2 after a comprehensive Round 1 victory, and while the new skipper is working on building that team bond, she also has some personal goals to tick off along the way.

“Personally, I’m just trying to play the best footy I can,” she said. “I’m not really looking ahead into anything, just getting through the Rebels season and we’ll see what happens.

“Fitness would be one of my main (focuses), especially in the midfield where you’ve got to just keep running. And other things just like midfield craft. It’s hard to remember once you’ve had such a big break what all the Rebels set ups are so I’d like to work a bit more on that.”

The Rebels’ next test comes against the Tasmania Devils, in what will be the region’s first game at Mars Stadium for the season.