NAB League: South-west region dominates 2020 GWV Rebels' squad

Twenty-two Hampden league footballers, one Warrnambool and District league player and one prospect from the Mininera and District competition feature on the 50-strong list which was announced on Wednesday.

Rebels talent manager Phil Partington said it was a credit to the area, which encompasses Warrnambool and stretches from Camperdown to Hamilton.

He said the list had a strong bottom-age presence.

"We had a very pleasing 16-year-old group last year and they have continued to further develop and work hard," Partington said.

"We have 28 players who are bottom-age on our list of 50 so we are very bottom-age entrenched this year.

"We have four 19 year olds we are very excited about as well and 18 top-agers."

There are feel-good stories.

North Warrnambool Eagles' Jett Bermingham was recognised for his hard work, earning selection as a top-age prospect 12 months after missing out on selection.

He can rotate between half-forward and half-back.

"The one we've been really impressed with, and it's a credit to the young man, is Jett," Partington said.

"He missed last year as a 17-year-old and he's worked extremely hard under the guidance of Adam Dowie at the North Warrnambool football club and played some very good football.

"He's persisted and continued to develop further. It's a string to his bow he can play in various positions.

"He's got a clean set of hands and kicks the ball very well."

Emerging tall Sam Kenna is the only Warrnambool and District league player on the list. The Kolora-Noorat prospect broke his ankle last year which ruled him out of the Rebels' under 16 program.

"He's worked extremely hard and done well in our pre-season," Partington said.

"He's a big lad and got a lot of upside in him and he's been competitive throughout our trial games."

Myles McCluggage is following his older brother Hugh's steps in making the Rebels' program. The South Warrnambool teenager is also a smart player like his Brisbane-listed sibling.

"I am really pleased for Myles. He's worked well in the pre-season," Partington said.

"He's got there on his own devices and deserves an opportunity. He's very clean inside and makes smart decisions.

"He can play forward and back and we think he has a lot of development left in him."

Partington said 200-centimetre Darcy Hobbs (Terang Mortlake), Ben Kellett (North Warrnambool), Thomas Baulch (Koroit), Angus Bade (Warrnambool), Jacob Hill and Bailey Mason (Hamilton Kangaroos) were developing talls on the list.

Geelong VFL-listed quarter Josh Dwyer (Port Fairy), Liam Herbert (South Warrnambool), Mitch Burgess (Warrnambool) and Isaac Wareham (Terang Mortlake) were picked as 19-year-old prospects and will be available for NAB League selection when overlooked by the Cats.

The Rebels will attend the NAB League testing this weekend and start their season against Dandenong Stingrays at Mars Stadium on March 21.

Hamish Sinnott (Camperdown)

Jett Bermingham (North Warrnambool)

Ben Kellett (North Warrnambool)

Josh Rentsch (Penshurst)

Marcus Herbert (South Warrnambool)

Liam Herbert (South Warrnambool)

Fraser Marris (South Warrnambool)

Archie Stevens (South Warrnambool)

Myles McCluggage (South Warrnambool)

Isaac Wareham (Terang Mortlake)

Darcy Hobbs (Terang Mortlake)

Josh Dwyer (Port Fairy)

Sam Kenna (Kolora-Noorat)

Mitch Burgess (Warrnambool)

Patrick Rea (Warrnambool)

Angus Bade (Warrnambool)

Jacob Hill (Hamilton Kangaroos)

Magnus Howells (Hamilton Kangaroos)

Bailey Mason (Hamilton Kangaroos)

Mac Petersen (Koroit)

Thomas Baulch (Koroit)

Jamieson Ballantyne (Portland)

Tex Mitchell (Portland)

Toby Jennings (Portland)

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