Football
14 June, 2025
Purchase debuts for Rebels
Lara Purchase made her debut for the under 18 women’s Greater Western Victoria Rebels in the Coates Talent League on Saturday.
The Rebels were defeated by the Western Jets 49-18 at Mars Stadium in Wendouree.
The youngster’s selection came off the back of a strong campaign earlier this year in the under 16s Coates Talent League competition, where she was co-captain of the Rebels side.
Sally Riley, coach of the Rebels, praised Purchase for her commitment to the squad and her knowledge of the game .
"Lara was a part of our under 16 program, and she was captain in that," Riley said.
"She earned a trial game with the under 16 Victoria Country squad, so she was obviously identified as talented at that age group.
"Her commitment, driving each Wednesday from Nhill, she loves the sport.
"She played as a small forward on the weekend, she has a beautiful left-foot kick and a very smart football IQ."
The multisport athlete plays for the Horsham Demons under 18s women's side in the Western Victoria Female Football League while also playing for Nhill’s under 17 netball side in the Wimmera Football Netball League.
Purchase's debut makes her the fourth Wimmera representative to play for the Rebels this year, joining Violet McGennisken, Poppy Peters and Greta Arnel.
McGennisken and Peters currently represent Laharum in women's senior football of the Wimmera Football Netball League, while Arnel previously played for Horsham's under 18 team before joining the Ballarat Football Netball League this year.
Riley praised the development of each of the players.
"Poppy's been a part of our squad for three years, and she's so much more confident now being able to play multiple roles," Riley said.
"And Violet has come from the under 16s and she's still developing, but the commitment and effort from those girls has been outstanding."