STRENGTHS:

+ Explosive speed
+ Run-and-carry
+ Defensive pressure
+ Versatility
+ Kicking penetration
+ Strength
+ Upside

IMPROVEMENTS:

- Composure
- Kicking consistency

PROFILE:

Rentsch showed some promising signs as a bottom-ager for the Rebels last season, standing up as a highly athletic talent with upside. Though not always consistent, she had that explosive speed which held her in great stead for the future. After being selected for the Under 17s Futures game, Rentsch's day ended early after breaking her leg, an injury that would keep her in recovery across the off-season.

Fortunately for the top-ager, she was able to return for Round 1 of the Talent League Girls season, and after starting 2023 as a half-back, progressed onto the wing and then into the middle. She gained confidence as the year went on, and soon justified her place as a genuine first round prospect.

What stands out about Rentsch is her outstanding speed off the mark, and also her ability to take the ball at top speed and not break stride. Her run and carry she provides for her side is eye-catching and with ball-in-hand, her main aim is to build up metres gained to open up the opposition on transition. Without the ball, she still uses that explosive speed to full advantage, laying a high number of tackles to put pressure on the ball carrier.

In terms of her disposal, Rentsch is a penetrating kick by foot, and she showed it in the final round against Bendigo Pioneers, launching three goals, including two from 50m out on the run. A naturally long kick, Rentsch is still tidying up the consistency by foot, as well as her composure with ball-in-hand at times. As with any speedy player, Rentsch can run into trouble, but she stands up in tackles and can get a handball away cleanly.

A couple of huge defensive acts late in the game against Western Australia in the AFLW Under 18 Championships stood out and effectively won her Vic Country team the match, while her offensive performance against the Pioneers - which featured 27 disposals and three goals - caught the eye for obvious reasons.

Rentsch is a very aggressive half-back who loves to run and gun down the field, which is important given her strengths. Once she can further improve that composure and consistency by foot, Rentsch can take her game to another level. With her strength, ability to play inside, outside or off half-back, the GWV Rebels skipper has plenty of upside that will hold her in good stead for the elite level.