Greater Western Victoria Rebels footballer Toby Mahony dreaming of AFL

The 193-centimetre Camperdown midfielder believes his height gives him an advantage in the engine room.

Mahony's 17-disposal per game average for NAB League club Greater Western Victoria Rebels piqued Vic Country selectors' attention.

He is one of four Hampden league exports, alongside South Warrnambool pair Jay Rantall and Liam Herbert and Terang Mortlake prospect Isaac Wareham, in the Vic Country squad for the upcoming AFL under 18 national championships.

Mahony plays as an inside midfielder who can push forward.

"That is what makes me a bit different than the majority of other midfielders in the comp, I am that little bit taller," he said.

"It's a bit different than being a stocky little fella."

MORE FOOTY:

Leadership is another trait Mahony hopes appeals to AFL recruiters.

The year 12 student is Mercy Regional College school captain and he was skipper of a Hampden interleague side at under 16 level.

He was Camperdown's under 18 vice captain in 2018 and is in the Rebels' leadership group this season.

Mahony said the roles had shaped him as a person and helped develop his public speaking.

"I am just trying to lead from the front, do the right things and other people will follow," he said.

Mahony dreams of making the AFL but knows he must fine-tune his game if he is to earn his chance.

He said he'd been consistent at NAB League level but endured a slow start.

That frustrating period had a silver lining - he's increased his work rate as a result.

"I'd hope it was a realistic goal, every kid hopes so," Mahony said of his AFL ambitions.

"It's slowly getting closer and closer but there's still a long way to go."

Mahony's pathway to football stemmed from his mother Sally, who has had a long involvement with Camperdown.

His older sister Hailey plays netball at Cobden while younger brothers Logan and Mitchell are Magpies too.

Youngest sister Shelby and dad James round out the Mahony clan.

Mahony, who lives on a dairy farm at Bookaar but is planning to study business at university, said his family provided his greatest support.

His brothers pay particularly close attention to his on-field feats.

"They are always asking me questions about my footy and they seem really involved and are really proud of me," he said.

Have you signed up to The Standard's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in the south-west.