IT has been a fruitful few weeks for a group of Hamilton Kangaroos juniors, with seven players involved in the new Hampden Football Netball League (HFNL) talent identification and development program, while one other junior is set for a stint in Greater Western Victoria (GWV) Rebels colours.

The squad is halfway through the four-week program, with George Clark, Riley Iredell, Angus Ewing, Charlie Baker, Jobe Dunn, Isaac Lehmann and Harry Mercer all travelling to Warrnambool for the sessions.

This year is the inaugural year for the program, which is designed to improve opportunities and helping them to realise their potential ahead of potential Rebels tryouts and possible VFL opportunities down the track.

Clark said having those sessions with other talented players would be beneficial for the group.

“It is good to go down with players you know, then you get to know the others down there as well,” he said.

“It has been pretty good, it is a lot higher quality, I think it has been a pretty good learning experience,” Iredell said.

Sobey set for Rebels

JACK Sobey has also had cause for celebration after the 16-year-old was selected in the GWV Rebels Under-16 squad.

The 183cm half-back flanker said he was excited to develop his skills in the Rebels program.

“I was pretty surprised, I was sort of confident going into the games, but thought I could have done a little bit more,” he said.

“Dunny (Matt Dunn) has been a big part of that (helping me prepare), working with me over the summer.

“I just want to meet new people, new coaches and just improve my kicking on the run.”

The first game is against Bendigo Pioneers at Learmonth Reserve on March 24.