Caris, Butler and Wood named in Rebels leadership group

Horsham's Nekaela Butler, Horsham Saints' Maggie Caris and Ararat Storm's Ella Wood were named in the six-person leadership group, with Ballarat's Sophie Molan named as captain.

The appointment is recognition of the Wimmera trio's leadership skills and quality of character. All three also have experience within the Rebels system, having played for the side as bottom-age players last season.

The Wimmera girls were in fine form as the Rebels' season got underway against the Bendigo Pioneers in Craigieburn on Saturday.

Butler, Wood and fellow Ararat Storm player Isabella Simmons were named in the Rebels' best in a closely contested five-point win against the Pioneers.

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The Rebels jumped out of the gates in the contest, kicking the first three goals of the match and racing away to a 19-1 lead.

Bendigo came home strong in the second half, but the Rebels were able to hold them off for a 4.3 (27) to 3.4 (22) victory in the first round of the season.

Other Wimmera-based girls - Horsham's Lauren Sykes and Horsham Saints' Kayetlan Harris - also played in the first-round win.

Stawell's Crystal Summers and Horsham Saints' Ella Friend, who are also in the Rebels squad, did not play in the match.

The Rebels' next contest comes on March 16 when they take on the Calder Cannons at Mars Stadium in Ballarat.