Former Collingwood midfielder Jay Rantall will make an unexpected debut for Werribee in the VFL this weekend after impressing at the local level. The 23-year-old will play for the Tigers in Saturday’s match against Williamstown, becoming Werribee’s 11th debutant of the 2024 season.
Rantall has been a key player for the undefeated South Warrnambool in the Hampden Football Netball League, standing out in three of his four games. Now, he is set to join his fourth state league team in as many years. Last season, he played five games for Footscray, splitting his time between the Kennel and South Warrnambool, despite dealing with injuries.
Before his stint with Footscray, Rantall played for SANFL club Norwood after being delisted by Collingwood, where he played seven VFL games before being cut in 2021. Drafted with Pick 40 in the 2019 National Draft, Rantall made five AFL appearances for Collingwood in his final season with the club.
Rantall will return to the VFL at Avalon Airport Oval on Saturday when Werribee hosts Williamstown, both top six teams. Werribee, currently on a five-game winning streak, last lost to Williamstown by 52 points in April. Both teams aim to climb to the top of the ladder with a win this weekend.