The emerging cricketer, who is part of the Victorian junior program, has played a mixture of division one and division two for the South West Cricket club this season.

Harkness, a PE teacher, said Illingworth had the attributes and commitment to play at a higher level.

"She's improving every week, she's a fantastic kid," he said of the 15-year-old.

"I don't think we'll have her for very long at all to be honest, I think she'll go on to bigger and better things.

"She works hard, she listens. She is a great student of the game."

Harkness' Rebels are flying, boasting a 5-1 win-loss record to start the season ahead of a "danger game" against Simpson on Saturday. It's a stark improvement from their winless 2019-20 campaign.

"Enjoyment comes before success and that is the model we're going with," Harkness said.

"It is just a good environment at the minute. People want to be a part of it."

The captain is leading by example. He has 252 runs at an average of 50.

"I was disappointed to miss out on a century earlier in the year (when I made 97) but hopefully I can get back up there and get a century at some point," he said.

"The main thing is I'm getting good opening partnerships with Tom Hunt.

"He's stepped up to the vice captaincy this year.

"He's more vocal, he seems to be having fun and enjoying having a bit more to say."

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