PORTLAND junior footballer Klay Nicholls has joined the ranks of the young local players who will represent Greater Western Victoria Rebels this season, as he has been named to the under-16s squad for their two upcoming matches.

Nicholls, who will represent Portland this season, said it was a great reward for the work he’s put in over the last few months.

“I’ve put in a lot of work for it in recent times, so it was pretty rewarding when I found out I’d been selected,” he said.

“I played those two games in the V-Line Cup program last year and thought I did pretty well, managed to get in the best players for one of them, and I think it’s flowed a bit from there.

“I’ve noticed my confidence and speed with my decision-making has improved a great deal since the V-Line Cup.

“The pace the game is played at is certainly the biggest difference you notice between playing for Portland and playing at Rebels.

“Even at the trainings it’s a lot different, you notice the speed and quality of the guys you’re playing with.”

Nicholls said he is primarily being used as a key defender for the Rebels, often occupying the last line of defence at full-back.

“I’ve played there in the trial games and in the V-Line Cup last year, it’s the position and area of the ground I feel most comfortable in, I really enjoy it,” he said.

Nicholls’ first game for the Rebels will get underway on March 24 when they take on Bendigo Pioneers.