While the Greater Western Victoria (GWV) Rebels Boys are on hiatus as the girls finish their NAB League season, a handful of its stars have enjoyed VFL and NAB AFL Academy debuts.
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Joshua Gibcus was selected to play for the Academy against Geelong's VFL side at the weekend at GMHBA Stadium.
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Ben Hobbs is also in the Academy, however, missed the game due to injury.
Fraser Marris also played, however, isn't a part of the squad, he was required as an emergency.
Gibcus, who has been named in the Rebels best players in two of their opening three games, enjoyed a solid day out down back, named in the best six players for the Academy.
His start to the season has been great, averaging 15.6 disposals, nearly seven marks a game and a just over five rebound 50s.
Loader said the role he has been playing as an intercept defender for the Rebels has been superb in their 3-0 start to the season.
"He's a talented player there's no doubt about that," he said.
"When he can see the ball in the air he can run and jump and try and mark it. He's got a huge leap, he's a wonderful intercept marker for a defender."
Marris, who has averaged 21 disposals and just over five tackles per game for the Rebels so far in 2021, also enjoyed a solid day out despite the 130-point loss to the Cats.
Teammate Marcus Herbert was selected to make his VFL debut for Geelong in the same game.
Herbert has been named in the best for the Rebels in each of their first three games, a force in the midfield alongside Hobbs.
"Fingers crossed he can get another VFL game in the break, that would be my hope and if he could do that, that'd be a wonderful result for Marcus and his ability to go forward and perhaps play at the next level," Loader said.
The Rebels boys don't play again until May 23 where they'll face the Eastern Ranges.
The boys then host the Northern Territory at Mars Stadium Sunday May 30.
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Ollie Nash
A keen sports follower covering the Central Highlands Football and Netball League's and the wider sports scene in Ballarat. Get in touch at ollie.nash@thecourier.com.au.
A keen sports follower covering the Central Highlands Football and Netball League's and the wider sports scene in Ballarat. Get in touch at ollie.nash@thecourier.com.au.
