GREATER Western Victoria Rebels’ latest crop doesn’t have to look far for inspiration.
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A record seven Hampden league players were drafted into the AFL in 2016, including four out of the Rebels’ program.
Hugh McCluggage and Cedric Cox landed at Brisbane, Willem Drew at Port Adelaide and Jamaine Jones at Geelong.
The south-west’s latest teenage talents include Vic Country basketballer Lukas Essenwagner and Vic Country cricketer Lachlan Wareham.
Essenwagner spent his junior football career at Warrnambool and District league club South Rovers but has named Hampden powerhouse Koroit as his feeder club in 2017.
Wareham was selected as an overage key forward prospect after a standout season for Terang Mortlake.
Fellow Rebels-listed footballers Josh Chatfield, Ethan McLaren, Mar Gattek, Keegan Gray, Aaron Shepherd, Tylar Watts, Thomas Scott, Cooper Henson, Lochie Dawson, Mitch Bidmade, Matt Schnerring, Trent Reed, Scott Carlin, Dale Cox and Harrison Hobbs are also tied to Hampden league clubs.
Draw
R1: Geelong Falcons
R2: Bendigo Pioneers
R3: Dandenong Stingrays
R4: Calder Cannons
R5: Eastern Ranges
R6: Oakleigh Chargers
R7: Western Jets
R8: Sandringham Dragons
R9: Murray Bushrangers
R10: Gippsland Power
R11: Northern Knights
R12: Eastern Ranges
R13: Oakleigh Chargers
R14: Geelong Falcons
R15: Murray Bushrangers
R16: Dandenong Stingrays
R17: Calder Cannons
R18: Bendigo Pioneers
Player to watch
MAR GATTEK: South Warrnambool forward who is a threat at ground level and has strong goal nous. Spent 2016 in the Rebels program without earning a debut and will be eager to make his mark as a top-age prospect this year.
