Hampden league clubs deliver final-round debuts to promising teenagers

South Warrnambool, Koroit, Terang Mortlake and Cobden have all picked first-gamers.

Marcus Herbert’s maiden appearance for the Roosters against North Warrnambool Eagles on Saturday will coincide with older brother Liam’s TAC Cup debut for Greater Western Victoria Rebels.

Jack O’Sullivan will follow in his father Nick’s footsteps when he runs out for the Saints against Warrnambool.

Blood Kane Johnstone and Bomber Jackson Couch will also play their first senior matches.

South Warrnambool coach Mat Buck said the Roosters were thrilled to pick Herbert, who will play a small forward role alongside recalled teenager Fraser Marris.

“He (Herbert) is under 16s but has played under 18s all year and has equipped himself well,” he said.

“His last month of footy has been as good as anyone and he’s forced his way in.”

Fellow teenagers Isaac Thomas and Ethan Harvey have been named on an extended bench.

Josh Saunders and Noah Kol will be rested and Jay Rantall, who made his debut last week, also makes way.

Koroit coach Chris McLaren said O’Sullivan had battled injuries and illness the past 18 months but deserved his chance.

“He had last year off with stress fractures in his back and this year he’s had his appendix out,” he said.

“He’s a well-built, solid boy. He would have played a lot earlier if not for injuries.

“He’s a lot like his father – very versatile.”

Teenage forward Hamish Gurry, who leads the league reserves goal-kicking with 54, also returns to the Saints’ side in place the injured Jarrod Korewha (concussion).

Key defender Tim McPherson will miss with hamstring tightness.

Their opponent Warrnambool brings in Matt Colbert, Thomas Ludeman and Mitch Burgess for omitted teenage trio Noah Turland, Wil Fleming and Jack Zanker.

Terang Mortlake coach Michael Sargeant said Johnstone, who is still eligible for under 16s, was “always destined for senior football”.

“He’s trained with the senior group since he was 13,” he said.

“He’s a really classy player, a good runner.”

Harrison Hobbs (wrist), Sam Crawley (work) and Steve Staunton (thumb) make way for the Bloods with Jake Crawley and Sam McLean joining Johnstone in the side.

Cobden coach Levi Dare said Couch, a talented cricketer who has played Western Waves level, would play a wing-forward role in his first game.

Dominic Dare also comes in for the Bombers who have lost Joel Moriarty (groin) and Thomas Spokes (corkie) to injury for their night clash against Hamilton Kangaroos.