AFL draft prospect Jay Rantall attributes his NAB League team of the year selection to the two clubs which developed him as a footballer.
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Rantall, 18, praised South Warrnambool and Greater Western Victoria Rebels after he was named in the NAB League's best 22 of 2019 at a ceremony at Federation Square on Sunday night.
The midfielder, who also represented Vic Country, averaged 25 disposals and seven tackles in his 13 games for the Rebels.
He was named on the team of the year's centre line.
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Rantall said he was appreciative of his two clubs' support.
"Both have helped me develop throughout the year and I've had a better year than I and many people would have thought I'd have," he said.
"I haven't played for South Warrnambool all year but it's good going there on Tuesday nights and I feel a part of it.
"You feel included and you ride the ups and downs. They've been there since day one."
Rantall, who played for Australia at the FIBA under 17 world basketball cup just 12 months ago, said coaching panels had also been instrumental.
He said Rebels talent manager Phil Partington and coach Marc Greig had "invested time in me with training, vision and phone calls".
"I've been very fortunate and it's the same at South with 'Batters' (Mat Battistello) and the coaching group.
"I still see that as an elite environment at South Warrnambool with the way they have their standards."
The 184-centimetre Rantall will attend the AFL draft combine in October ahead of November's national draft.
"I am super excited for it. I am not really nervous about what is ahead at the moment," he said. "I will prepare and focus on testing well at the combine and getting a bit of interest."
The Rebels' season finished with a wildcard round loss to Western Jets on Sunday but Rantall will remain focused on his training.
"I don't have a set routine but I like to get to the beach a few times a week, am doing weights and training Tuesdays and Thursdays," he said.
"I like to touch the footy as much as I can before game day, whether it's going for a kick with mates or extras before or after training."
The Warrnambool College student will also enjoy some down time before year 12 exams and the draft.
"I like hanging around family or mates at the footy club or at someone's house," Rantall said. "I like to be around other people."
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