Former Collingwood midfielder Jay Rantall will make a surprise debut for Werribee this weekend in the VFL following a strong run of form at the local level.
The 23-year-old will suit up for the Tigers in Saturday's clash with Williamstown, becoming the reigning grand finalists' 11th debutant of the 2024 season.
Rantall has been a prolific piece for the undefeated South Warrnambool in the Hampden Football Netball League to start this year, featuring among the Roosters' best performers in three of his four matches.
The ex-Magpie is now set to line up for his fourth state league side in as many years, having featured for Footscray on five occasions last year in a season shared between the Kennel and South Warrnambool that was hampered by injury.
Prior to his days with the Dogs, Rantall featured for SANFL club Norwood in his first year after being delisted by Collingwood, who he played seven VFL games for before being axed in 2021.
Rantall played five career games for Collingwood at AFL level - all in his final season with the club - after being drafted with Pick 40 in the 2019 National Draft.
The journeyman is set for a return to the VFL at Avalon Airport Oval on Saturday afternoon when Werribee host Williamstown in a battle between two top six sides.
The 'Bees have won five successive matches heading into Round 13, with their last defeat coming at the hands of the Seagulls in April.
Williamstown handed Werribee a 52-point defeat at DSV Stadium, with the two clubs meeting again as they look both look to go top of the ladder with a win this weekend.
The two standalone sides are among the five clubs currently sitting on 32 premiership points for the year - four less than ladder leaders Footscray - who have played one more game than Werribee and second-placed Geelong.
Southport and Box Hill are also in the chasing pack with 11 games under their belt.