Football
4 May, 2025
Rebels ready for challenge
The GWV Rebels girls will be looking towards another challenging game against metro side Northern Knights on Sunday at Mars Stadium, Wendouree.
The girls will be buoyed by a strong win against Calder Cannons last weekend, which saw Jovie Skewes Clinton kick five goals in a half of football to help the Rebels win by 58 points.
“I’ve been really impressed with how well the team has gelled this early in the season considering we had minimal training sessions as a full squad in preseason," coach Sally Riley said.
"They keep raising the bar each week and as coaches we're stoked to see them really enjoying their football and getting some early wins on the board.”
Talent lead Brooke Brown added: “Jovie (Skewes Clinton) and Maggie (Johnstone) really led from the front on Saturday.
"To see the team kick seven goals in the second half of football was outstanding.
"We had some other girls really stand up, including Emma Stewart who had 12 tackles for the game.
"The girls are really trusting one another and really having a lot of fun.
"It's just wonderful to see."
Riley said the side was looking forward to this weekend's clash with another metro team.
"Over the last few years we've always had close battles with Knights so the girls will need to find another gear this weekend if we're to beat them," she said.
"We have two debutantes in Sarah Burton and Macy Irvin.
"Sarah and Macy played in our under 16 squad in March which earned them a Vic Country trial game.
"Since then they've continued to train on with the older girls and have fitted in seamlessly.
"Both are very skilled, with high football IQ, so it will be great to see them challenged in a faster-paced environment.”
Girls' under 18 squad v Northern Knights: Matilda Brook, Elsie Conroy, Greta Arnel, Milly Thomas, Madi Dixon, Jovie Skewes Clinton, Brook Ward, Lila Evans, Elsie Day, Milly Shortal, Alex Oldaker, Scarlett O’Donnell, Poppy Peters, Bella Davies, Madi Cotten, Macy Irvin*, Heidi Torrance, Kate Knight, Tilly Stringer, Sarah Burton*, Nikki Clover, Ruby Thomas, Maggie Johnstone (* denotes debutante)