SOUTH-WEST players are celebrating a haul of Greater Western Victoria Rebels awards, underlining their strong contribution to the NAB League club's standout season.
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A wave of Hampden league prospects - George Stevens, Marcus Herbert and Jamieson Ballantyne - collected gongs at the Ballarat-based club's night of nights on Wednesday.
Stevens, from South Warrnambool, was crowned the Rebels' best first-year player at the tender age of 16.
Rebels talent lead Damian Ross described Stevens as a "generational talent".
"His maturity is well beyond his years," he said.
"I think he came second in the under17 Victoria Country voting system as well and he finished with votes in our best and fairest too.
"For a first-year player to have the talent he possesses (is just unbelievable)."
Fellow Rooster Marcus Herbert, who finished as a runner-up in the club's best and fairest behind Charlie Molan, was also commended for a stellar season.
Herbert, a midfielder, divided his time between the Rebels and Geelong's VFL program in 2021.
Ross said Herbert had both feet on the ground and was an exciting player.
Portland's Jamieson Ballantyne, who enjoyed a breakout season, also collected the Shaun Kelly Award for personal growth.
Ross said it was important for the Rebels to celebrate a strong season for both their boys and girls programs.
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Nick Ansell
Nick Ansell is a sports journalist at the Warrnambool Standard.
Nick Ansell is a sports journalist at the Warrnambool Standard.
