Fitness focus for state combine-bound Rebel

GAME ON: Camperdown's Toby Mahony, who plays NAB League for Greater Western Victoria Rebels, is impressing AFL clubs. Picture: Adam Trafford

TOBY Mahony is always looking for ways to improve his football.

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The Camperdown export will knuckle down on his fitness after earning an invite to the AFL state combine.

Mahony, who turns 18 later this month, was one of 118 draft prospects from around Australia picked to test in front of AFL recruiters.

Fellow Hampden exports Jay Rantall and Isaac Wareham were among 79 players invited to the AFL national combine which will precede the one-day state tests.

"I want to get as fit as possible and practice the tests so I know what I am doing," Mahony said.

"I suppose it's a bit of a confidence boost (to earn an invite) but now you've got to keep playing the best footy you can and hope for the best."

FOLLOW ME: Toby Mahony prides himself on his leadership skills. Picture: Adam Trafford

Mahony trains on Tuesday nights with Hampden league club Camperdown and travels to Ballarat each Thursday to train under Marc Greig at the Greater Western Victoria Rebels.

He tries to fit two or three gym sessions in between school commitments each week too.

He is focusing on weights as he strives to "build a bigger frame which is powerful and explosive".

The 192-centimetre Mahony has played 13 NAB League games in 2019, averaging 15 disposals, 2.2 marks and 3.5 tackles as an tall inside midfielder.

He also played one game for Vic Country at the AFL under 18 nationals championships.

But the Mercy Regional College school captain has marked his season harshly.

"It's probably been average. I've shown glimpses here and there of what I can do," Mahony said.

"I need to put it all together in one game. (I need to work on) my overall work rate to get to more contests and get more of the footy."

MAIN STAGE: Camperdown's Toby Mahony played for Vic Country at the AFL under 18 national championships. Picture: Anthony Brady

Mahony said his height, marking, run and carry and ability to free his hands in a contest had given him a chance to test in front of AFL recruiters.

He said his one game for Vic Country, which came against the Allies in Tasmania, was "a massive experience".

"We had a good win and it was quicker and higher intensity," he said.

"You've got to be quicker at that level."

Greater Western Victoria Rebels have a bye this weekend before their final round against Murray Bushrangers at Bendigo's Queen Victoria Oval on Sunday, August 18.

The Hampden league-heavy Rebels sit 11^th on a 13-team NAB League ladder but get the benefit of a wildcard round to prove their worthy of a finals spot come September.

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