PORTLAND export Jamo Ballantyne has stepped up in the Greater Western Victoria Rebels under-19 squad, named in the side’s leadership group for 2022.

Ballantyne had a stellar season last year despite COVID interruptions and earned a regular position in the Rebels line up.

His growth last year was rewarded with the Shaun Kelly Personal Growth award (named in honour of a former Portlander who worked with the Rebels) which has been carried into this season.

Heading into this 2022 season Ballantyne will take plenty of experience after his involvement in AFL Victoria Draft Combine last year giving him a leg up in the competition.

The Rebels began their campaign on Saturday with a round one clash against Bendigo Pioneers where they earned a 13.12 (90) to 8.11 (59) victory.

Ballantyne contributed across the ground while the Rebels were led on the scoreboard by Aaron Cadman and Brady Wright who slotted four goals each.

The Rebels will return to play on Thursday April 14 for a night match against Geelong Falcons.

He will line up for Portland tomorrow, is also on Footscray’s VFL list where he is expected to play some games later in the season, and was recently added to the Western Bulldogs’ AFL COVID contingently list – meaning he could be called upon at AFL level if COVID protocols impact on the Bulldogs’ playing list, similar to what happened with the West Coast Eagles recently.