Sport
7 January, 2025
Three Ararat players, six Wimmera players named in GWV Rebels 2025 squad
The under-18 boys squad was named just before Christmas.
Football
Coates Talent League
After the pre-season squads were named in early December, The Greater Western Victoria Rebels named its under-18 boys squad for the 2025 Coates Talent League season.
Ararat premiership player Pat Toner returned to the Rebels setup, while former Rat Wilbur Shea (now North Ballarat) and Willaura's Floyd Burmeister (Redan) have been named in the 2025 squad.
Seven Wimmera-based players have been named in the 50-man squad, including two former locals.
The region also has one player named in the club's training squad.
"To have seven young men selected from the Wimmera is a wonderful achievement, and recognition must go to their community clubs for their development in junior football and their transition into senior football, which many of the boys played last year," GWV Rebels regional talent operations lead Brooke Brown said.
"This number of players coming out of the Wimmera hasn't been seen in a number of years. It's exciting for the players and their families, and it's really exciting for the region."
Brown credited the work of Stuart Farr for his work with the region's talent.
"Recognition must go to our Rebels satellite coach Stuart Farr who has done a great deal of work throughout the year to ensure these players are training and playing at the level we expect at the Rebels," she said.
"We have seen the commencement of a football academy in the Wimmera region over the past 12 months through Ange Ballinger at AFL Victoria. Stuart has been volunteering his time with these players.
"The Wimmera is reaping the rewards from Stuart's hard work and understanding of the Rebels talent pathway program."
Rupanyup's Alby Kingston, the lone HDFNL representative, is returning to the Rebels for a second season.
WFNL club, the Horsham Demons, had three players selected: Archie Elliott, Oliver Potter and Ethan Worthy.
Local rivals, the Horsham Saints, have Drew Harris and Levi Munyard in the squad.
Horsham Demon Harrison Hoffmann was also selected in the development squad.
"All boys were selected following a rigorous preseason prior to Christmas that included fitness testing, training sessions and two trial games," Brown said.
"Players have been given a Christmas program and will start full squad training at the end of the month in preparation for the 2025 Coates Talent League season, which will be in late March/early April."
The club's girls' squad is yet to be named.