FOUR Hampden league exports have boosted their chances of being noticed by AFL recruiters with selection in Vic Country's under 18 boys squad.
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Jay Rantall, Liam Herbert (South Warrnambool),Toby Mahony (Camperdown) and Isaac Wareham (Terang Mortlake) all made the squad for the AFL National Championships in June and July.
The rising south-west footballers will feature in Country's trial game against the Allies at IKON Park this Sunday.
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Greater Western Victoria Rebels Talent Manager Phil Partington said the selection was a positive step in the quartet's hopes to secure a spot for themselves on an AFL list at season's end.
"This stage gives them an opportunity to showcase their talent and if they play well they get exposed to more AFL recruiters and that can enhance their chances of being drafted," he said.
"Also at the team's camp tomorrow they are doing speed dating with the AFL clubs. So club recruiters will get a chance to chat to them and get know them a bit more, which they haven't done yet."
Former Rooster Renee Saulitis was selected in the under 18 girls Vic Country squad last week, while Angus Bade (Warrnambool) and Josh Rentsch (Penshurt) secured their spot under 16 boys' side on Wednesday.
Partington said the high standard of junior coaching in the region was contributing to more players featuring in representative squads such as Vic Country.
"Having five from the hampden league and it's one of the strongest groups and that is attributed to players and coaches from that way who have helped the rebels out," he said,
"The likes of Adam Dowie, Ben van de Camp, Chris McLaren and Mat Buck who are all top coaches who have helped us out.
"They've helped the players create a good base heading into our trial games at the start of the season which helped them put their best foot forward."
The Hampden league has 15 representatives in the Rebels' 42-player squad, with a majority of them featuring constantly in the NAB League side's starting team.
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