South Warrnambool's Jay Rantall rated highly by Hawthorn great Gary Buckenara

Buckenara, 61, heaped praise on Jay Rantall for his "consistent" performances for carnival runner-up Vic Country, which was defeated by Western Australia in the final, in a recent article for the Herald Sun.

"One of his best traits is his strong work ethic, which was definitely on show and recruiters would have also liked his no-nonsense style, where his trademark is his ability to just get the job done," he wrote in the article.

"He looks to be a real professional with the way he goes about his football."

Buckenara said the 18-year-old needed to showcase his skills in the Greater Western Victoria Rebels' final NAB League match next weekend and at the upcoming NAB AFL draft combine, where a fellow draft prospect in Terang Mortlake's Isaac Wareham will also feature.

READ MORE:

"As a player who had a strong carnival, his finish to the season for GWV will be important, as will be his ability to cope with some expectation at the draft combine," he wrote.

"I'm sure, however, we'll see the same diligence from Rantall and he won't be one to get ahead of himself."

The midfielder is averaging 26 disposals, five tackles and one goal a game from his 10 appearances for the 11th-placed Rebels.

The Rebels finish off their season with a game against Murray Bushrangers at Bendigo's Queen Elizabeth Oval on August 18.

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.