Greater Western Victoria Rebels tall Josh Rentsch has tied for the best and fairest in Australia's premier under-age football competition, the NAB League.
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The Penshurst teenager polled 12 votes to share the time-honoured Morrish Medal with Flynn Lakey from Calder Cannons in an online presentation ceremony on Thursday night.
Rentsch, 18, joins Brisbane Lions star onballer and Warrnambool export Hugh McCluggage as the Rebels' only Morrish Medallists. McCluggage took out the honour in 2016.
Rebels regional talent lead Damian Ross said Rentsch's win in the under-19 award was exciting for everyone involved in the program.
"He's a fine leader and has shown a great physical on-field presence."
Rentsch played in nine of the Rebels' 10 games in a COVID-19 shortened season, kicking 14 goals as a ruckman/forward.
A five-goal haul against the Eastern Ranges in round five was among his highlights.
Rentsch also represented Vic Country this season.
The Rebels' Marcus Herbert from South Warrnambool also figured prominently in the Morrish Medal, finishing third on 10 votes.
The Rebels won seven games under coach David Loader to finish second on the ladder.
COVID-19 restrictions meant the season was called off before finals.
Rentsch will be among a group of Rebels to attend an AFL combine testing day at Bendigo on Friday as part of the lead up to the national draft (see story, Page 30).
Rentsch, who attends Ballarat Grammar School, has also been named on interchange in the NAB League boys' team of the year, an honour shared by three Rebels team-mates - Ben Hobbs (Horsham Demon) ruck rover; Charlie Molan (East Point) back pocket; and Josh Gibcus (East Point) centre half back.
Three Rebels were also selected in the NAB League girls' team of the year: Chloe Leonard (Ballarat and Hepburn) back pocket; Ella Friend (Horsham Saints) half back flank; and Paige Scott (Carisbrook) forward pocket.
In addition, the Rebels' Nyakoat Dojiok (Lake Wendouree) finished equal third in the girls' best and fairest with 12 votes.