The Rebels went winless in their first three games before a six game winning streak to send them against TAC Cup under-18 ladder leader Geelong at Eureka Stadium on Saturday.

Solid sound processes to generate backbone of a team is hardly revolutionary, but the way the Rebels go about their game sets a strong example across Western Victoria in what teams can achieve when every team member, including staff, is on the same page.

The Rebels are not a super team. They have a rich history of strong seasons and pulling apart traditional heavyweights.

In the past five years under coach David Loader, the Rebels missed finals once and topped the ladder twice. This season there is a new squad and new coach in veteran Gerard FitzGerald, who brings a new style and new game plans, but the Rebel yell is just as strong.

This is an under-age team with a constantly changing list, pulling together players who barely know each other from across Warrnambool, the Wimmera, Hampden, Western and Ballarat regions.

This is also a competition riddled with uncertainty who opposition will serve up, especially mid-season amid state football duties. Metro rivals fluctuate with schoolboy football demands on weekends, while the Rebels mostly juggle playing loads with mid-week school football.

What is the Rebels’ secret to winning streaks? It has always been structure, but with this comes maximising time.

The Rebels have introduced extra vision for players this season to go with personalised match vision each week. Those living out of Ballarat can watch Tuesday night team meetings that feature discussions from the playing group. There is no need for catch-up when they are at the club, all players can hit the training track or match day already prepared.

Players are trained to fill roles within the game plan, rather than be the game plan.

Fitzgerald said opposition analysis was about determining rival trends and game patterns, rather than worrying about what star prospect might or might not be lining up.

The Rebels have always cemented their program in holistic player development, creating future community leaders, rather than wins. But on-field success in TAC Cup also offers exposure.

Exposure is not just for the hopefuls pushing for a rare chance to get AFL drafted. Exposure to big games against the state’s elite youth offers experience players can adapt wherever their football journey might lead next.

This is about maximising each moment in action.

Players are mostly at a particularly demanding time in their lives: many have VCE studies and a parochial duty in school football; some play other sports; and most are still under the responsibility of their parents. Nearly all are still determining which path they want to take in life.

On top of this is the Rebels, an elite football program that mirrors an AFL environment.

Time together is precious but boundaries are clear to use every possible moment to sharpen their game and be ready for anything.