WARRNAMBOOL Rangers coach Cameron Pyke is confident the club will have a bright long-term future after using 2019 to unearth teenage talents.
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Goal keeper Ollie Hammond, defender Benji Hawkins and forward Jonah Williams all featured in the Rangers' 9-0 rout of Ballarat and District Soccer Association opponent Creswick on Saturday.
Fellow teenagers Isaac Osborn and Ben Rogers have played seniors regularly this season too.
"We've had five or six under 17 players play in the senior competition and it's put the club in good stead for years to come," Pyke said.
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Pyke said the finals-bound Rangers took the opportunity to rest sore players against bottom-placed Creswick.
Jonas Welsh (finger) and Isaac Slater (knee) missed as did Liam Priestley who was away on a snow trip.
"It's a good luxury to have at this time of year," Pyke said. "It's a long season."
Pyke was thrilled with Hammond, Hawkins and Williams, saying they looked comfortable and he expected them to get more chances in 2020.
"Jonah played up front and scored on debut," he said.
"They played well but knowing the opposition we have coming up and ramping up to finals we want to build a consistent team."
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