Latest News | GWV Rebels - Greater Western Victoria Rebels

GWV Rebels announce new coach David Loader

11/5/2020

The GWV Rebels would like to announce our new coach for the boys’ and girls’ programs for 2021, David Loader.

Loader was a part of the Rebels program for nine years up to 2015 and returns after a five-year stint at North Melbourne where he was a development coach and coached the clubs VFL side.

Loader was one of the AFL coaches to lose his job as a result of COVID-19 but is super excited to re-join the Rebels program.

“I’m really looking forward to getting back and working with the young boys and girls that are trying to forge a way in football. It is super exciting because you’re dealing with a cohort of young athletes that are there for the right reasons, they’re there to get better and learn and hopefully they will put their best foot forward to allow them to do that,” he said.

He is also excited for the challenge of coaching both the NAB League girls and boys’ teams under the restructured model for 2021.

“I think it will be great, it’s always good to get exposed to new things and I am looking forward to working with both groups of athletes,” he said.

Jake Lloyd wins second B&F

10/15/2020

Photo: Jake Lloyd kicking by Flickerd available HERE and used under a Creative Commons Attribution. The image has not been modified.

Former Rebels player Jake Lloyd has won his second Bob Skilton medal edging out Luke Parker and Tom Papley.

The Horsham product played all 17 games this year and finished third in the AFL for total disposals with 439 at an average of 25.8. He also averaged 4.8 marks and 5.7 rebound 50’s.

Lloyd said on the night that he was grateful for the opportunity the Swans provided him after being selected in the 2013 Rookie Draft.

“It means a lot,” Lloyd said. “It’s something I pride myself on – my consistency – and it’s incredible to think that I have been standing up here a couple of times now.

“I’m forever grateful to the Sydney Swans for giving me the opportunity at the end of 2012 and I just wanted to make the most of it.”

Former Rebels player James Frawley retires from the AFL

10/8/2020

Photo: James Frawley kicking by Flickerd available HERE and used under a Creative Commons Attribution. The image has not been modified.

Former Rebels player James Frawley has today announced his retirement from the AFL.

The 239-game veteran was selected by Melbourne at pick 12 in he 2006 AFL draft. In his 139 games at the Demons he was an All-Australian in 2010 and also finished second in their best and fairest that year.

At the end of 2014 Frawley joined the Hawks as a free agent and quickly tasted success as a part of their 2015 Grand Final winning side.

Frawley became one of the league’s premier defenders through his reliability and work rate.

We wish James and his family all the best for their future endeavours.

Marc Greig to step down from coaching role

9/26/2020

NAB League Boys coach Marc Greig has decided to step away from his role at the GWV Rebels to chase interests outside of football.

Greig arrived at the Rebels at the end of 2017 after his time with the North Ballarat Roosters in the VFL.

Greig’s career came full circle upon returning to the Rebels after playing in the clubs 1997 premiership side.

Greig was just a boy from Horsham when he first joined the Rebels and is very grateful for the opportunities the program has afforded him throughout his life.

“I’ve been fortunate with the opportunities I have heard although I have made sacrifices along the way I wouldn’t change anything,” he said.

It took three to four months for Greig to understand how to coach at NAB League level but has thoroughly enjoyed developing the talent of the region.

“I’ve enjoyed the role of development coach and being able to teach the players as best we could and just to remind them to keep things simple and encouraging them to do the basics well.”

“To see where some boys have come to where they are now, whether that be some players playing some good senior footy last year after a couple of years in the program or the couple that have gone onto AFL lists, it has been good to see the natural development of most of the boys that have gone through in my time,” he said.

Talent Manager Phil Partington believes Greig will be hard to replace but has made the right decision for his family moving forward.

“Marc’s left an impeccable imprint into the Rebels organisation as a player but also a coach and those people are always hard to replace.

“He has made a decision for what is best for him and his family, our values as a football club is family always comes first so we wish Marc and his family all the best for the future,” he said.

Greig has decided to take a step back from coaching to reignite his building career and spend more time with his family who have also made sacrifices during his coaching tenure.

“While this COVID period has been hard for a lot of people including myself at times, it has given me a chance to get back on the tools and have my weekends free and nights at home with the kids,” he said.

“The COVID time has given me plenty of time to reflect about what I have done over the last 20 years and while I have sacrificed a lot, the decisions I have made have been based around what I want to do and now to free up 30 weekends a year is a pretty enticing prospect at the moment.”

The extended family time also means that all the footy Greig absorbs during 2021 will be entirely for his own leisure as he aims to engage in activities that his coaching has stopped him from doing.

“I haven’t spoken to anyone about footy and I won’t, because if I still wanted to do footy stuff I’d still be in the Rebels coaching role.”

“I want to go and watch some of my mates that are coaching or still playing in my own leisure on a cold wintery day with a couple of quite ones and feel a bit more normal and without the pressure that comes with coaching at this level,” he said.

Despite the fact he will hold no formal footy title Greig will continue to support the players he has coached over the past three seasons.

“I had a chat with the players last night in a zoom meeting and told them that the phone is still on and if they want to have a chat that I’m happy to take a call at any time and keep supporting them along the way.”

“It’s a journey for these boys and girls. We see them play for the first time in the pathway program from when they are 15 years old. You build relationships over time with the players so I’m not just going to shut up shop and not answer my phone I’ll certainly be there for them,” he said.

The AFL will now begin the process of hiring a new coach of the boys and girls’ program for 2021.
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Invites for AFL & AFLW National Draft Combines

9/3/2020

The AFL today released the nominations for the upcoming AFL and AFLW National combines.

Five GWV Rebels players have been nominated to attend. Congratulations to the following players:

Nick Stevens - East Point
Harry Sharp - East Point
Alice Astbury - Lake Wendouree
Isabella Simmons - Ararat Storm
Maggie Caris - Horsham Saints
Renee Saulitis - Lake Wendouree

Full AFL Media Release

The AFL has today released the names of the 82 female players and 96 male players invited to the 2020 NAB AFLW and AFL National Draft Combines to be held across multiple locations across Australia in the coming months.

While the current situation relating to the COVID-19 pandemic sees variations in restrictions across the country, the annual NAB AFLW and AFL Draft Combines will be state-based in 2020.

Vic Metro has the largest list of invitees with 24 female players and 25 male players selected to take part in the respective NAB Draft Combines, followed by Vic Country with 22 male players, South Australia with 20 and Western Australia with 12 players invited.

All states and territories will be represented at the 2020 NAB AFLW and AFL Draft Combines with a spread of talent across Australia including Queensland, NSW/ACT, Northern Territory and Tasmania.

Please find NAB AFLW Draft Combine Nominees here.

AFL Clubs are asked to each select a list of their preferred players to attend the 2020 NAB AFLW and AFL Draft Combine, with all invitees all receiving nominations from at least three clubs.

Two Father-Daughter eligible players in Alice Burke (Daughter of Nathan Burke – St Kilda and Western Bulldogs AFLW Coach) & Tarni Brown (Daughter of Gavin Brown – Captain and premiership player for Collingwood) are on the list attending the NAB AFLW Draft Combine.

North Adelaide’s Ashleigh Woodland, who was previously on Melbourne’s AFLW list, and Georgia Nanscawen, previously listed with North Melbourne, headline the list of former AFLW listed-players looking for a second opportunity. Daisy Walker from the Sandringham Dragons is hoping to follow in the footsteps of her older brother Josh in joining the elite game.

Please find NAB AFL Draft Combine Nominees here.

Among the selections for the males are ten AFL Club Academy eligible players; Blake Coleman, Jack Briskey, Carter Michael and Saxon Crozier from the Brisbane Lions Academy, Josh Green from the GWS GIANTS Academy, Brandon Campbell and Errol Gulden from the Sydney Swans Academy and Alex Davies, Joel Jeffery and Max Pescud from the Gold Coast SUNS Academy.

A further nine Next Generation Academy players in Joel Western and Brandon Walker (Fremantle), Reef McInnes (Collingwood), Josh Eyre (Essendon), Jamarra Ugle-Hagan (Western Bulldogs), James Borlase (Adelaide Crows), Lachie Jones and Tarek Newchurch (Port Adelaide), and Conor Downie (Hawthorn) have also been invited to take part in the 2020 NAB AFL Draft Combine.

Four Father-Son eligible players in Cyril Rioli junior (son of Richmond’s Champion Maurice) Luke Edwards (son of Adelaide Crows’ star Tyson) Taj Schofield (son of Port Adelaide star Jarrad) and Ewan McPherson (son of Western Bulldogs’ star Steve) are also on the NAB Draft Combine invitee list. Rioli is also eligible for Fremantle under Father / Son rules and Essendon under NGA rules.

The 2020 NAB AFLW and AFL Draft Combine will assess each player’s strength and skills through several tests including 20-metre sprint, agility tests and vertical jump. The first state-based NAB Draft Combine will be held in Tasmania in the week commencing September 21.

AFL Talent Ambassador Kevin Sheehan said the National Draft Combine is an opportunity for players to showcase their skills before the 2020 NAB AFLW and AFL Draft.

“The NAB Draft Combine sees the best young footballers from across Australia gather to showcase their physical abilities in front of club recruiters,” Sheehan said.

“The 2020 version of the NAB Draft Combine will look a little different, but it will provide all AFLW and AFL Clubs a chance to assess players on their fitness, skills and agility. Clubs are able to conduct one-on-one interviews with all players at the Draft Combine either in person or digitally.”

All data will be available to AFLW and AFL Clubs at the conclusion of each state-based NAB Draft Combine.

“The on and off field assessments assist AFL clubs in making key decisions for the upcoming NAB AFLW Draft in October and AFL Draft in December,” Sheehan said.

“We are excited about the NAB Draft Combine for all players and the opportunities it presents to all footballers who have had a disrupted 2020 football season. The girls and boys have shown great resilience and perseverance and the NAB Draft Combine takes them one step closer to the elite AFLW and AFL Competitions.”

The AFL is continuing to work towards a Return to Train and Return to Play model for Vic Country and Vic Metro Girls and Boys State Squads, which if it were safe to proceed, would ensure talent are provided with an opportunity to showcase their skills and assist them in reaching the elite level. Both squads will not commence training, play matches or be tested until it is safe to do so.

NAB AFL Draft Combine (subject to State Government restrictions)

New South Wales/ACT
- Girls – Tuesday 29 September
- Boys – Sunday 25 October
Queensland / Northern Territory
- Girls – Saturday 3 October
- Boys – Saturday 3 October
South Australia
- Girls – Wednesday 30 September
- Boys – Wednesday 30 September
Tasmania
- Girls – Week of Monday 21 September
- Boys – Week of Monday 21 September
Victoria
- Girls – TBC
- Boys – TBC
Western Australia
- Girls – Wednesday 30 September
- Boys – Wednesday 30 September

NAB League Season Cancelled

8/5/2020

The AFL today wrote to all NAB League regions, players and parents to advise them the 2020 NAB League Boys and Girls Competitions will not proceed following discussions with key NAB League stakeholders over the past few days.

With the Victorian State Government declaring a State of Disaster and with stage four restrictions for Metropolitan Melbourne to be in place for six-weeks, the situation relating to the COVID-19 pandemic remains a significant challenge for the entire Victorian community and provided too great a challenge for the NAB League to be held this year.

Following the Victorian State Government advice, no community football training or competition can be held in Victoria during current restrictions for six-weeks until Sunday September 13.

AFL Head of Talent Pathways and State League Competitions Tristan Salter said the decision was made following the announcement by the Victorian State Government.

“All levels of the game across Victoria have been impacted by the health pandemic this year and under the new restrictions, any form of training and competition for both metropolitan and regional players and clubs is prohibited,” Salter said.

“We acknowledge this is extremely disappointing news for the players, coaches, officials, volunteers and fans of the NAB League Competition and we commend every NAB League region that has worked tirelessly to find a way through.

“Every step of the way, our focus has been on the safety of players, coaches, volunteers, officials and our communities. Following the updated restrictions announced by Victorian State Government, it provided too great a challenge for all involved.”

The AFL will continue to support all 2020 NAB League players for the remainder of the year and are committed to ensuring opportunities will exist in 2021 for players who have been impacted by the disruptions to the 2020 NAB League season through a revised talent pathways model.

The 12 NAB League Girls clubs each completed up to three matches in March 2020 with Oakleigh Chargers, Greater Western Victoria Rebels and Northern Knights all undefeated. Given only three games have been played, no premiership will be awarded for this season. The AFL is currently working with all NAB League Girls regions on how to best support all players ahead of the 2020 NAB AFLW Draft in October. A 2020 NAB League Girls Team of the Year will be announced in the coming days.

The AFL is continuing to explore a return to train and return to play model for Vic Country and Vic Metro Boys State Squads, which if it was safe to proceed, would ensure talent are provided with an opportunity to showcase their talent and assist them in reaching the elite level. Both squads will not commence training or matches unless it is safe to do so.

“Throughout this pandemic the NAB League community has shown great resilience and perseverance and we admire and appreciate the continued positivity during a difficult year for our community. I am not alone in appreciating the challenges players, staff and their families are facing,” Salter said.

“We maintain our commitment to all players that we will continue to explore arrangements to assist them with their talent profile ahead of the NAB AFLW and NAB AFL Drafts later this year.”

The 2020 NAB AFLW Draft and the 2020 NAB AFL Draft will occur in 2020 with exact dates to be confirmed.

NAB League Games to Commence as Scheduled for Country Regions

7/21/2020

The AFL today wrote to all NAB League regions, players and parents to provide an update on the status of the NAB League Boys and Girls competitions in 2020.

The health, safety and wellbeing of everyone involved in Australian Football at all levels remains the priority and the AFL will continue to work with the Victorian State Government and its Chief Health Officer in relation to its talent pathways programs returning to train and play in a safe environment.

Five NAB League Boys regions will commence games as scheduled on Saturday August 22 with the GWV Rebels hosting Geelong Falcons at Mars Stadium followed by the Bendigo Pioneers hosting Murray Bushrangers at QEO in Bendigo on Sunday 23 August. Gippsland Power will play an intra-club game in round one. To maintain flexibility and given the restrictions in place, the AFL will release the remaining NAB League games when it is in a position to do so.

Following the Victorian State Government advice, no community football training or competition can be held in Metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire LGA during stage three restrictions for six-weeks until Wednesday 19 August. Based on this advice, all six Victorian Metro regions, Calder Cannons, Eastern Ranges, Northern Knights, Oakleigh Chargers, Sandringham Dragons and Western Jets, plus Dandenong Stingrays, will not commence training or matches until it is safe to do so.

Eligibility will be for players 18 years and under who live in regional Victoria other than Mitchell Shire LGA. Regional Players who undertake schooling in restricted areas will be ineligible to play for their regional team under the advice and guidance of the Victorian State Government.

The NAB League Girls Season is scheduled to recommence on Saturday September 5 with three more matches for each team to complete a six-game season.

AFL Head Talent and State League Competitions Tristan Salter said while the current situation relating to COVID-19 continues to impact talent pathway programs in Victoria, the AFL remains committed to having some form of competitive games for all Girls and Boys in a safe environment.

“All levels of the game across the country have been impacted by the health pandemic this year. Throughout this season we have anchored every decision in-line with the advice of the respective government and relevant medical authorities. Our return to play plans and our timings is evidence of that,” Salter said.

“The evolving situation across Victoria has meant we have had to make decisions based on geographical locations of players and clubs to ensure we give as many players the opportunity to play NAB League games this year.

“While we would prefer to provide a standard season of NAB League football for girls and boys across the entire state, this outcome ensures an opportunity for many players to continue their journey in the talent pathway.

The AFL will continue to support all 2020 NAB League players for the remainder of the year and are committed to ensuring opportunities will exist in 2021 for players who have been impacted by the disruptions to the 2020 NAB League season.

“We maintain our commitment to all players that we will continue explore arrangements including return-to-training and competition in consultation with the Victorian State Government for players located in Metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire.”

With the assistance of NAB, the AFL have developed a training program for all players during this period to focus on skill development and fitness. This program will prepare all players for the recommencement of training and competition that may arise.

“We acknowledge it has been a challenging year for all NAB League players, parents, coaches, volunteers and officials and we remain united as a league to get through this together,” Salter said.

"We remain committed to providing the right platform for the players and clubs and give NAB League Girls and Boys the opportunity to showcase their talent.”

The AFL will continue to review all arrangements in consultation with clubs, the Victorian State Government and respective Health Officers and strict protocols will be in place to protect players, officials, staff and the wider public when training and matches commence.

Tom Berry to debut for the Lions

6/11/2020

Former GWV Rebels player Tom Berry will make his debut for the Brisbane Lions as the AFL season resumes this weekend.

Berry was selected with the number 36 pick in the 2018 AFL Draft to joins his brother Jarrod at the Lions. He averaged 18 disposals a game in his five games for the Rebels in 2018. He also featured in all four games Vic Country in the Under Championships averaging 10.8 disposals.

The Lions take on the Fremantle Dockers on Saturday afternoon at 1.45pm. We encourage all Rebels fans to tune in and support our first debutant of 2020 from the couch.

From everyone in the Rebels family we wish Tom the best for not only Saturday afternoon but the rest of his career.

Image: https://www.thecourier.com.au/story/5774607/gvw-rebel-joins-brother-at-brisbane/

GWV Rebels Girls ready for combat against the Jets

3/12/2020

After a close contest in our NAB League Round 1 win against Sandringham Dragons the GWV Rebels girls were able to regroup during their extended weeks break. The GWV Rebels Girls are looking forward to putting their best foot forward at MARS Stadium this Saturday 14th @ 11:30am against the Western Jets.

“The playing group were extremely happy to come away with the win in a tough end to end battle against the Dragons. The girls have recovered well and ticked off what they needed to in the lead up to this weekend’s match.” Female Talent Coordinator – Krista Woodroffe
The GWV Rebels are pleased to be presenting a further 4 debutants with their GWV Rebels jumpers for the round 2 clash.

Debutants – Alice Astbury: Lake Wendouree (23), Chloe Stevens: Lake Wendouree (39), Mitzi Adamson: Hamilton Kangaroos (36), Charlotte Hopkins: East Point Dragons (22)

GWV Rebels announce 2020 NAB League boys squad

3/4/2020

The Greater Western Victoria Rebels are excited to announce their initial NAB League Boys Squad for the upcoming 2020 NAB League Boys season.

It has been a long preseason that started all the way back in November, but GWV Rebels Head Coach and AFL Regional Coaching Director, Marc Greig is excited to have the initial NAB League Boys Squad now to work with prior to season start.

“It’s been a very enjoyable preseason, as we invite around 130 Under-18 football players in from across Western Victoria and we know at the end of the day there is abundance of talented players all pursuing a GWV Rebels NAB League opportunity."

“It was a difficult process to select our Preseason Squad invitations but a more difficult process to decide on our NAB League Boys Squad for 2020 due to the impressive Talent across Western Victoria. We congratulate the players that have made the Squad but we also feel for the unfortunate players that have missed but we are very confident that these players from being involved and training at a high intensity with our Program they will all go back to their local clubs further developed both on and off the ground and have set themselves up for a good season this year and into the future.”

Marc Greig is bullish about the development opportunities that will come for the 50 players lucky enough to be part of the 2020 GWV Rebels NAB League Boys squad.

“For the players that have made it through, we can put more work into each individual as our role is to develop the individual player over the course of the year.”

After being quizzed on the difficulty of narrowing down the squad to 50 players, Greig said “It’s very tricky, its much different than picking a local or interleague side. The NAB League is a development competition and that brings the challenge of deciding between so many similar players that share the same traits.”
“The challenge is using the information that we have like testing results and Match Day vision and we certainly monitor closely how the boys train and how regularly they are hitting the track and doing the extra work, and then how they perform in our high intensity trial games.”

The squad of 2020 is very young one with 28 (under 17) bottom age players, over half the squad. The squad also features four 19-year-old overage players and five boys that involved in the AFL Victoria Country Academy program. With all that raw talent, Greig absolutely believes his team can band together come Round One on March 21st at MARS Stadium when the side takes on the Dandenong Stingrays.

“We’re really excited about the group for season 2020. We have our camp this weekend which will see the players involved in an AFL Testing and Education Day, team building exercises and we will get the boys out of their comfort zone so we believe we have a great group that will work hard and play for each other.”

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Greater Western Victoria Rebels Football Club
Mars Stadium, Creswick Road, Ballarat North 3350

Phone number: (03) 5339 0915
Postal Address: PO Box 151N, Ballarat North 3350

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