Warrnambool footballer Mitchell Burgess shines in GWV Rebels' NAB League win

The speedy defender was the Rebels' best in their hard-fought 8.5 (53) to 3.7 (25) win over Dandenong Stingrays in windy and wet conditions on Saturday.

Burgess, 17, had a team-high 21 disposals and kicked a goal - his first of the season - from defence.

Rebels coach Marc Greig said the 186-centimetre teenager had established himself in the back line and was adding elements to his game.

"The half-back line is where he's shown he plays his best football and his weapon is his speed," he said.

"It's defence first and when he's got the ball we want him to use his speed and take the game on and encourage him to kick longer and be that 70-metre player."

The Rebels, who were without Vic Country trio Jay Rantall, Liam Herbert and Isaac Wareham, produced a decisive second term against the Stingrays.

They kicked five unanswered goals to jump to a 23-point lead which proved a match-winning buffer in trying playing conditions.

"It was blowing a gale to one end in the first half and it bucketed down the whole second half and that's why our total team stats were down," Greig said.

"We were reasonably efficient."

The Rebels, who have a 3-8 win-loss record, will now enjoy a two-week break over the school holidays.

Vic Country will play its final game of the AFL under 18 national championships at Marvel Stadium on Wednesday.

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