Sport
28 February, 2024
Family affair at the Rebels
The Weidemann family are in for a busy year this year with Connor, 17, and Adelle, 16, both selected for the Greater Western Victoria Rebels - the only brother/sister combination in the squad.
For Connor, it's his second year in the team after being selected last year. He plays full back and early instructions are that he will be used up the ground a bit more this year and Connor is looking forward to it.
"The coaches said I need to keep running and to focus on what I am good at," he said.
"I like running and marking so I hope to do a lot more run and carry.
"They are hoping to move me up the ground a bit and it will be good to get up there and do a bit more and I am looking forward to it."
The other Wimmera players selected in the squad are Sam Janetzki (Horsham), Alby Kingston (Rupanyup), Xavier Pumpa (Horsham), Hugh Toner (Ararat).
When asked what it would be like playing with fellow team-mate Alby and sister Adelle, Connor said it's exciting.
"It feels great that my sister and I are both selected and it's even better to see there is a good Rupanyup combination in the Rebels this year," he said.
Connor is eligible for the AFL draft this year and whilst he would like to play AFL, he isn't focused on it.
"I think everyone has aspirations to be drafted to the AFL but it's pretty hard. I am just looking forward to the year and giving it a crack," he said.
For Adelle, last year she was part of the Under-16 Rebels and did a pre-season last year and this year and had two trial games and was selected from that.
Adelle said having Connor part of the squad helped spur her on.
"I think having Connor with the boys has pushed me for the girls and wanting it more," she said.
"We have some double-header games so hopefully Connor and I both play a few of them and can support each other."
When asked what Adelle needs to work on, she noted 'endurance'.
"Playing midfield I need to work on my endurance a bit more. The girls also focus a bit more on having fun so it is going to be a good experience. I am looking forward to it," she said.
The other Wimmera girls selected for the squad are Poppy Peters and Greta Arnell (Horsham Demons), and Brook Ward (Ballarat Storm).
The under-16 girls squad has also been recently announced which features a further three Wimmera girls in Violet McGennisken (Horsham), Lara Purchase (Horsham/Nhill) and Abbey Wiedermann (Horsham Demons).
The under-16 boys squad was announced on Tuesday and features three Horsham players in Archie Elliott, Ethan Worthy and Oliver Potter.