CAMPERDOWN footballer Toby Mahony is ready to make his AFL under 18 national championships debut.
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That's the assessment from Greater Western Victoria Rebels talent manager Phil Partington who watches the 193-centimetre midfielder play in the NAB League each week.
Mahony will play for Vic Country against the Allies - a team representing Tasmania, New South Wales, the ACT and Northern Territory - at Launceston on Sunday.
The Mercy Regional College school captain will join South Warrnambool's Jay Rantall, who starred in Vic Country's opening round win against Vic Metro at the MCG, in the squad.
"He's done a lot of work over the pre-season, he's finding a lot of the footy and as a tall midfielder, they're the sorts the AFL clubs are looking for," Partington said of Mahony.
"Now he gets an opportunity to play at the nationals which will be a lot faster and quicker and it will be a test for him to see how he competes but we've got full confidence."
The Rebels will tackle Eastern Ranges at Mars Stadium on Saturday without two of their leading prospects.
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But Partington is happy with their four inclusions, three of whom represent the Hampden league.
Warrnambool pair Patrick Rea and Mitch Burgess return from illness after being late withdrawals last weekend and Terang Mortlake's Isaac Wareham has overcome a quad strain which has sidelined him for three weeks.
Partington said Rea, a bottom-age prospect, needed an extended period to showcase his talents in defence.
"He's probably been a little bit inconsistent due to illness and a few little injuries," he said.
"He hasn't strung too many games together. Pat's got some ability and it's a chance to give him another opportunity at the NAB League level."
Partington said fellow bottom-ager, South Warrnambool's Fraser Marris, impressed with 23 disposals last weekend.
"He hit up really well, used his speed and he's always in and under the packs as well," he said.
"He's a very competitive young man who is showing a bit of talent. We were pleased with how clean he was with the ball last week in trying conditions."
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