NAB League Girls: Paige Scott, Kelani Scoullar headline GWV Rebels squad

An “explosive” forward and one of the biggest NAB League Girls improvers will headline the GWV Rebels squad in 2022 with the coach not tapering expectations.

Brayden May

@braydenjmay

2 min read

January 13, 2022 - 10:50AM

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Greater Western Victoria Rebels coach David Loader isn’t putting a ceiling on his team’s ambitions for the NAB League Girls season.

After two years of continued Covid interruptions, the Rebels are hoping to build off their ninth place finish in 2021.

While fixture has been officially released, a clash with Gippsland Power awaits Loader and his team on January 22 at La Trobe University in Bundoora.

The talented group at Loader’s disposal is headlined by Paige Scott — one of two Rebels selected in the Vic Country under-19 hub.

The 17-year-old enters her draft year on the back of an impressive 2021 season in which she finished with All-Australian and NAB League team of the year selection.

Meanwhile at local level she won the Bendigo league best and fairest having spent time between Eaglehawk and the Carisbrook Lady Redbacks.

Loader described Scott as an “exciting player”.

“She’s someone we believe has high end capabilities to push towards that next level,” he said.

“Paige’s ability was highlighted in our final against Tasmania which we won by a point last year. She kicked 4.1 out of the 4.5 we put on the scoreboard as a team.

“It gave us and people watching a great insight to the impact she can have.”

GWV Rebels played their first intraclub practice match in early December. Photo: Facebook.

At 166cm, Scott has shown the ability to play as a key forward but also shift into an inside midfield role.

She also impressed for Vic Country’s under 19 side last season when she booted two goals against Queensland.

“Paige has got a couple of strings to her bow which make her an exciting prospect,” Loader said.

Kalani Scoullar, who Loader described as a “genuine ruck who can go forward”, is the Rebels’ second member of the Vic Country hub.

The Ballarat Football Club representative burst onto the scene last year playing nine games, earning selection in the best on six occasions.

Her dominance in the air was highlighted by an average of 21 hit-outs.

“Kalani improved the most of anyone in our group last season,” she said.

“And it was a credit for all of her hard work. We’re excited to see what she can add to her game this season.”

“It’s going to be one of the biggest challenges we face this year,” he said.

Ella Friend, who was selected by St Kilda with pick four, was the only Rebels played drafted last year but Loader is confident that number will increase in 2022.

“Our goal is to always get as many players drafted as possible,” he said.

“In 2021, there were only about 50-odd selections used and I imagine that would be closer to 100 with four new teams coming into the AFLW for 2023.”

GREATER WESTERN VICTORIA REBELS NAB LEAGUE GIRLS SQUAD 2022

Lilli Condon (Darley)

Tahlia Meier (North Ballarat)

Charlotte Hill (North Ballarat)

Ruby Lovell (North Ballarat FC

Paige Scott (Eaglehawk)

Jessica Rentsch (Hamilton Kangaroos)

Ruby Stephens (Redan)

Lucy Jones (South Warrnambool)

Rosie Pickles (South Warrnambool)