The Terang Mortlake footballer will line up at full-forward for Greater Western Victoria Rebels against Geelong Falcons on Saturday.

He took five wickets for South West Cricket powerhouse Mortlake in its division one premiership a week ago.

Wareham’s rise to Victoria’s top underage football program – as an overage prospect – comes following a breakout season for the Hampden league Bloods in 2016.

The fast bowler earned a spot in Vic Country’s under 17 squad in 2015 when cricket was his priority.

Mortlake cricket captain Todd Lamont said football became an option for the multi-talented teenager when a back injury restricted his ability to bowl last season.

Lamont said cricket was Wareham’s first passion.

“I think he will give footy a good go and if it works out, it works out and if it doesn’t, he’ll pursue cricket,” he said of his two-time premiership teammate.

“He’d have a good future in cricket as well. He has all the attributes, good technique with batting and bowling.

“There is no reason he can’t go a long way in cricket. If he wanted to commit and try hard at premier level, I have no doubt he’d make it.”

Lamont said Wareham, who missed the Cats’ semi-final due to an AFL Victoria testing camp, starred in their grand final win.

Wareham is one of three Terang Mortlake footballers in the Rebels’ round one squad, joining fellow debutants Scott Carlin and Harrison Hobbs.