AN emerging footballer is expected to make a key defensive post at NAB League level her own.
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Hamilton Kangaroos' Mitzi Adamson will make her debut for Greater Western Victoria Rebels on Saturday, slotting in at full-back against Western Jets at Mars Stadium.
Rebels coach Rhys Cahir said the teenager was unlucky to miss round one selection a fortnight ago and then had to wait owing to the team's bye last weekend.
"'Mitz' missed some pre-season going to Borneo to volunteer and missed a trial game because she was ill," he told The Standard.
"She was unlucky not to play round one - she was in our futures squad last year.
"She works hard and is a key defender for us and that's something we struggled with in round one."
Cahir said Adamson had the attributes to make her mark in the statewide under 18 competition.
"She's a really good one-on-one defender," he said.
"She uses the ball well and punches from behind. She's physical at the contest, reads the ball well and is a good kick too." Rebels female co-ordinator Krista Woodroofe said Adamson was "a big in for us".
"We are lacking key tall defenders and Mitzi over the last three months has shown she can be a key down back for us," she said. "In terms of skill by foot and by foot, our transition out of the back line will be good."
South Warrnambool's Stella Bridgewater has held her spot after debuting in round one as has fellow Rooster export and game one match-winner Renee Saulitis.
Another Rooster - Camperdown-based Rosie Pickles - was named as an emergency.
Cahir said Hamilton Kangaroos' Kate Tomkins would miss with a knee injury.
"She'll have follow-up tests. It's precautionary keeping her out this week," he said. "It's disappointing for Kate because she's a good player and going well."
The Rebels are bullish about their chances against the Jets.
"I am pretty happy with the way the girls are going," Cahir said. "The top-end talent is good and the girls in the mid-range are getting better every year."
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