Penshurst footballer Josh Rentsch playing part for NAB League club GWV Rebels

The 197-centimetre key forward, who hails from Penshurst, has kicked seven goals in his three games in 2021.

Rentsch, 17, finished with five majors in the Rebels' 38-point win against Eastern Ranges a fortnight ago.

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They took a 4-0 win-loss record into the state government's seven-day coronavirus lockdown.

"I am playing my role as that key forward, making contests, winning or halving my one-on-ones," Rentsch said.

"One-on-one works best for us. If I can't mark it, it gives opportunity for the small forwards to come in and snap a goal."

Rentsch, who made his senior debut for Ballarat league club Lake Wendouree earlier this month, praised his teammates for his five-goal haul.

"It was a result of very good work from defence and the midfield, so that made it a lot easier for me," he said.

Rentsch is in his second year as a boarder at Ballarat Grammar.

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The teenager is one of seven siblings - he has two brothers and four sisters - and grew up on a farm 10 minutes out of Penshurst.

He is home during the lockdown and, despite now testing himself in the Ballarat league, remains passionate about his junior football club.

"Dad (James) was a strong footy player. He'll always tell you about how he won three premierships with Penshurst," Rentsch said.

"My siblings all played footy and netball and it has just formed into a strong passion for the game (for me)."

Penshurst picked Rentsch to play in the Mininera and District league grand final in 2019. The Bombers fell to Great Western at Lake Bolac.

"I turned 16 on the day. It (a flag) would've been a nice birthday present," he reflected.

But the chance to pull on the Bombers' horizontal red and black stripes remains a cherished memory for the former Good Shepherd College student.

"It was really, really fun. It's exhilarating playing with older men and being able to contribute," Rentsch said.

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