GREATER Western Victoria Rebels coach David Loader says debutant Grace Wareham "won't be thrown in the coal face too early" as she adapts to elite pathway football.
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The Terang Mortlake export will play her first NAB League game on Wednesday night as the Rebels tackle Bendigo Pioneers.
Wareham is one of three south-west prospects - the others include South Warrnambool's Stella Bridgewater and Hamilton Kangaroos' Paige Kissel - who will feature in the clash.
Loader, a highly-ranked mentor who has previously coached North Melbourne's VFL side, said Wareham was one of nine changes for the midweek fixture.
Early on, we'll want her to have the experience of playing and that'll be wonderful for her development as a player.
- David Loader on Grace Wareham
"She's only really young and is probably playing a high level relatively early in her career," he told The Standard.
"That's great. With the nine changes we've had it's given us the opportunity to provide opportunities to players."
Loader expects the Mortlake-raised teenager, who is a boarder at Ballarat Grammar, to spend time in a number of positions.
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"I think she'll be one for half-back and half-forward," he said.
"We'll try not to put her in the coal face too early on. Early on, we'll want her to have the experience of playing and that'll be wonderful for her development as a player."
Loader said the 16-year-old had developed her football ability immensely since joining the program.
"They're all improving really quickly but there's a long road to go," he said.
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Nick Ansell
Nick Ansell is a sports journalist at the Warrnambool Standard.
Nick Ansell is a sports journalist at the Warrnambool Standard.
