Drew is back in the Rebels team for the first time since the last of his three games in round seven. Since then Drew has been a star for Koroit, including a standout performance against Warrnambool last Saturday.

“We really rate Willem highly and I think the Rebels do as well,” Dowie said.

“He has been terrific for us this year and he deserves the chance to have another go at the Rebels and show what he can do. The more you watch him play the more you appreciate what he can do, he does everything right. Last week against Warrnambool he had 10 tackles which is a huge effort against such quality opposition.”

Drew’s continued rise is evident in Dowie’s assessment that the teenager is now a first-choice onballer for the Saints.

“It is at the stage that when Willem comes back to us we will be getting him into our onball line-up straight away,” Dowie said.