TALENTED top-age youngsters will get another chance to pursue football at the elite junior level next year.
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The AFL has increased the age limit for NAB League sides such as the Greater Western Victoria Rebels.
The previous under-16 and under-18 competitions will be changed to under-17 and under-19 competitions for 2021 and beyond.
It comes after the season was cancelled this year, and many expressed concern for talented youngsters missing the chance to develop and potentially impress AFL and AFLW recruiters.
The AFL and AFLW draft age has remained at 18.
First year Rebels player Jordan Cox welcomed the announcement.
The Ararat Rat youngster said it was reassuring to know he would not miss out on a year with the Rebels.
"It will mean if we were to be selected again, we get to play another year with the same group of players and spend another year developing skills," he said.
"Which would be a good result."
Cox was one of three Ararat footballers to make the under-16 GWV Rebels squad for 2020, alongside Henry Shea and Flynn Toner.
Cox, 16, said the cancellation of the 2020 season was a difficult speedbump to handle.
"2020 has been a bit of a disappointment, not being able to play football," he said.
"I was going into the year playing good football. I was looking forward to playing more games and keeping the momentum going from last year."
Cox had an impressive finish to his 2019 season, getting named in the V/Line Cup's honorary team of the tournament.
He said despite not attending official football training, he had been following a fitness program during the lockdown period to remain in good condition.
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"I've been going for a kick when I can with my mates as well," he said.
"At times it can be hard to stay motivated. It's that mental challenge which becomes part of your game as well.
"I've always got a mate who I can call and go and have a kick with. With remote learning on right now, a focus on my football is sometimes a welcome distraction."
While the announcement of the Rebels' age groups being extended another year was welcome news, Cox said he had not had any discussions about next season.
"Everything will be reassessed at a later date," he said.
"Everyone is finding out new information daily so it's just a wait and see,
"It's pretty crucial to miss a year of football at this age, so a focus of mine is to make sure I am fit and ready to play the best football I can when we're back on the ground."
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