THE Greater Western Victoria Rebels Under-18 squad has been finalised for 2024 with Hamilton Kangaroo, Brodie Phillips, making the final squad.

Phillips was selected as one of 22 bottom-age players in the squad after impressing in the Under-16 Development program in 2023.

The 16-year-old said he was excited about the opportunity.

“It should be good, I am looking forward to it,” he said.

“I knew what the footy would be like and what to expect this time.”

The squad of 46 was announced last week ahead of the final training session last Thursday.

Phillips said he was hoping to continue focusing on his forward craft.

“Through the trial games, you play in a few positions,” he said.

“Last year I played a fair bit forward, so hopefully get to do that again.”

Phillips, who turned 16 in October, knows the workload will increase in the Under-18 system, but was glad to see some familiar faces in the squad to share the experience with.

“The travel will be a lot more than the Under-16s last year,” he said.

“Going down to Ballarat each week to train each week.

“I have played with a few of them last year, then I did training with Chad (Finck) from Portland, so I do know a few of their faces.”

Phillips will still play with the Kangaroos when not selected for the Rebels.

Rebels coach, David Loader said the squad had good balance and was excited to see what the players could achieve in the 2024 Coates Talent League.

“We are really excited to have arrived at our final list of 46 under 18 players for season 2024,” he said.

“The squad has a terrific balance of top-aged and bottom-aged players and a great blend of tall and small players.

“We look forward to watching the squad develop and grow as young athletes and young men as the season progresses.”

Rebels talent lead, Brooke Brown said the ability for players to move between the Rebels and home club easier has been important in a recent change to the program.

“There have been several community clubs within our region who have really endorsed our newly restructured program,” she said.

“It allows the boys to head back and really entwine themselves into their community clubs.

“We see many of these boys as potential leaders back at their home clubs. They have had a taste of training standards, and we hope they can take that back with them.”

The tryout process for the squad has been running for more than a month, utilising satellite programs in Hamilton and Horsham as well as the main hub in Ballarat.