Rebels Forward named to exhibition rep team

A GREATER Western Victoria Rebels player is set to take the field at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium as part of a one-off match against members of the Women’s AFLW Academy.

It’s forward Lily Jordan’s first time on the ground, having been selected as part of an under 23s all-star squad through the Coates Talent League Women’s competition.

She said the match will have the potential to open up many opportunities for her.

“It’s definitely a good game to be a part of,” she said. “It’s kind of an exhibition match so lots of recruiters will be there.

“Because it’s against the Australian Academy it’s the best girls in my league so it’s definitely a big step in the right direction. I’m super stoked for this.”

Jordan will be one of about 25 players in the talent squad, with the game set to take place on Sunday 18 June at 1.45pm.

Between seasonal training with GWVR and four to five days at Wendouree-based elite athlete gym the RAD Centre, she said she’s keeping ready for the big match.

Jordan first took to football five years ago following a school game against Bendigo Grammar when she was a Ballarat Grammar student.

She also said the match will be a major boost to her development as a player.

“I’m looking forward to playing at such a prestigious venue and playing alongside girls who play in the VFL,” she said.

“I’ll be able to gain a lot of experience from the game.

“I think my smarts in front of goals was probably an x-factor in the first few rounds that got me selected, and then maybe my determination to switch to defensively in later rounds.”