THE Greater Western Victoria (GWV) Rebels girls side led by local talent; Jess Rentsch recorded its third win of the season against the Murray Bushrangers in Craigieburn last Sunday winning by 33 points.

While the Rebels side has won just three games this season, it has remained optimistic and taken lots of learnings away from some narrow losses.

Rentsch put in a strong performance and her ability to run and carry the ball to deliver it into the forward half was exceptional.

The Penshurst export had 16 disposals, three tackles and five inside 50s which led all players on the ground in that area.

Rentsch said it was pleasing to get the win but there were a lot of areas to improve for the side to play its best brand of footy.

“The game was quite scrappy, as when we got in front, our layers all folded in around the contest and we overused the handball,” she told The Spectator.

“It was good to get the win, however big adjustments need to be made for this week’s game against Northern Knights.”

The Rebels came out strong and played with cohesion in the first term to take a 2.2 (14) to zero lead into quarter time.

The side added another two goals in the second quarter, and it wasn’t until the third term when the Bushrangers managed to get their first score of the game.

Controlling the ball, the Rebels proved far too strong for their opposition with the final scoreboard reading 7.3 (45) to 2.0 (12).

The 2024 draft hopeful said there were a lot of positives to take away from the game, including an impressive level of pressure around the contest.

The Rebels won the inside 50 count 41-15 which showed how dominant the side was around the stoppage, with plenty of repeat forward entries.

“While it was nice to bang on a couple of goals, it would have also been nice to have a bit more movement as we were able to lock it in the forward line, we should have got a lot more goals,” she said.

“(It) was good to get some handball receives and the effort and contesting was really good,” she said.

The 17-year-old prides herself on her contested ball-winning ability and fierce attack on the contest, which have been prominent features of her game this year.

Just a few rounds ago, she showcased her tackling ability around the contest with 15 tackles, she backed this performance up the following week with another 11.

Rentsch has been playing as a running defender for the side and has been relishing the captaincy leading from the front, both on and off the field.

“I played as a high defender at half back, using my run and carry to create forward entries in the first three quarters, then moved onto the wing,” she said.

“My captaincy is going well; I do love to give the pre-game rev up and get the girls keen and ready to go.

“Also leading by example, putting my best foot forward and just setting the standard at training and things like that.”

Lily Jordan kicked two goals for the Rebels, while Molly Walton, Claire Mahony, Tyla Crabtree, Maggie Johnstone, Jovie Skewes-Clinton and Laila Lappin were the best players.

GWV Rebels will take on a strong Northern Knights side at Preston City Oval today at 11.30am with the hope of causing an upset and making in two in a row.

“I think the girls know that it will be a tough game, but if we all stick to our strengths and work together as a team, hopefully we can come home with back-to-back wins,” Rentsch said.

The GWV Rebels are sitting 12th out of 18 teams but will eyeing off a few more wins as the end of the season approaches.