There were 20 players from the region selected in the final 35-player squad when it was released on Wednesday.

Half of the Wimmera players were part of the inaugural squad in 2017 and have been selected again while the remaining 10 will get their first taste of the under-18 competition.

Rebels female talent coordinator Krista Woodroffe said there was a great balance of experience and talent within the squad.

“Our girls have been training since mid-November under the guidance of our coaching panel and fitness staff,” she said.

“We’re confident that we’ll field a competitive side in each of our games.”

The squad’s leadership also has a distinctly Wimmera feel to it.

Georgia Clarke, Rene Caris, Ella Bibby and Tara Jasper were named as part of a five player leadership group lead by Lauren Butler. 

“All five of our leaders were selected by a player vote, and they were fitting selections as all five lead by example both on and off the field,” Woodroffe said.

“Lauren has been a part of the Rebels program for four years now, and after finishing in third place in our best & fairest last year and playing in a senior Women’s premiership with Carisbrook, we think the captaincy can help her take the next step with her playing career.” 

The team will play its first game in an expanded nine-game season against Eastern Ranges on Saturday.

The 2017 season was made up of five games with the Rebels team winning three games to finish the year in seventh position.

“We’ve had some solid hit outs so the girls are definitely looking forward to round one,” Woodroffe said.