Sport
5 June, 2025
Rebels debut for Bloods young gun
TERANG Mortlake rising star Charlie Kenna has become the latest player to make his debut for the Greater Western Victoria Rebels.
Lining up for the Rebels’ in their round nine clash against the Gippsland Power at Windy Hill in Essendon on Sunday, Kenna was excited for the opportunity.
“I loved it,” he said.
“To get a chance at that level of footy was fantastic.”
The match was close all day, the Power triumphing 9.9.63 to 9.3.57.
Being based in Ballarat as a boarder at Ballarat Grammar has enabled the 16 year-old, year 11 student to be fully immersed in the Rebels program.
“I train fully with the group on Tuesday and Thursday nights, it’s been great to train and learn with the midfield group,” Kenna said.
Kenna’s debut game saw him play as a high half forward; a role the regular wingman had to adjust to.
“I was originally slated to play on the wing, but due to a late withdrawal I ended up playing half forward,” he said.
“The Rebels coaches were great in giving me guidance on how to play that position.”
Kenna made his Terang Mortlake senior debut as a 15 year-old in 2024 and has now racked up 10 senior appearances.
He noted the difference between Hampden league football and the elite junior level.
“The pace in the Rebels game was a definite step up; Hampden footy is much more contested, you get a bit more banged up in senior football.”
The teenager was quick to praise his home club.
“I really love playing senior footy for my local club and playing my role on the wing or wherever; Lewy Taylor is such a great leader and everyone gets around you at senior level.”
Rebels coach David Loader was impressed with Kenna’s debut.
“He went quite well,” he said.
“Charlie was able to keep up with the increased pace because he has genuine leg speed, his pace is high end.”
Loader said Kenna, like other debutantes, didn’t have high expectations put on them in their first game.
“He’ll be given another chance straight away, the expectation is for his next game to be on the wing.”
Loader noted that Kenna’s training had him ready for the Rebels game plan immediately.
“Charlie understood the processes we play under on gameday straight away, we aim for them to come in and know their role,” he said
The Rebels have the bye this week, with their next game on June 15 against the Murray Bushrangers at La Trobe University.
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