Colac has always been a proud football town, and in 2025, it’s showing no signs of slowing down. With a strong community foundation, passionate grassroots clubs, and an unrelenting love for the game, it’s no surprise that the region continues to produce high-calibre athletes. This year, three standout names have emerged on the state and national radar: Ben Rongdit, Alex Makuey, and Bailey Scott. These rising stars are representing Colac with pride across various elite development pathways and turning heads across the Victorian football community.
Their rise comes at a time when football has become more than just a weekend pastime. The growing intersection between AFL and digital culture—including increased media exposure, talent tracking, and even betting markets—means these young athletes are being followed from earlier stages in their careers than ever before. For Colac locals and fans of grassroots footy, the excitement around these players offers a glimpse into the town’s footballing future and underscores the importance of ongoing support for junior development.
Ben Rongdit: From Colac to the National Academy
Among the brightest prospects to emerge from Colac in recent years is 17-year-old defender Ben Rongdit. Currently listed with the Geelong Falcons, Rongdit is a member of the AFL National Academy, a prestigious program reserved for Australia’s most promising young footballers. His inclusion signals not just raw talent but also elite potential and dedication. Rongdit’s path has not been without its challenges.
An ankle injury sidelined him for part of the 2024 season, but his comeback in 2025 has been nothing short of impressive. In his return match, he delivered a composed performance in defence, recording double-digit disposals and proving he can match it with the best at Coates Talent League level. This resilience has not gone unnoticed by selectors, and he has since been named in the Australia U18 squad, set to take on VFL sides as part of his development. For Rongdit, the next 12 months will be critical, as he eyes a potential AFL draft spot and continues to build his reputation in elite junior circles.
Alex Makuey: A Rising Star in the Making
While Rongdit continues his climb through national pathways, another local name has been making waves on the state scene. Alex Makuey, born in 2009 and a fellow Geelong Falcons player, is representing Victoria Country in the Victorian Diversity All Stars match. This annual showcase highlights the state’s top Indigenous and multicultural talents, and Makuey’s selection speaks volumes about his ability and work ethic.
At just 16, Makuey is gaining valuable exposure to higher-level competition and coaching, setting the stage for potential inclusion in the Coates Talent League under-18 squad in 2026. His selection is not only a personal achievement but also a point of pride for Colac’s junior development programs. Local coaches and club supporters have long spoken about Makuey’s natural football instincts and game sense, and his inclusion in the showcase confirms that those attributes are now being recognised on a broader scale.
Bailey Scott: The Local Gun Making a Statement
For those who follow Colac’s senior football closely, Bailey Scott’s name has become synonymous with consistency, toughness, and class. In 2023, Scott had a breakout season with the Colac Tigers, culminating in a third-place finish in the Mathieson Medal count. Rather than immediately jumping ship to explore higher opportunities, Scott doubled down on his roots, confirming he would remain with the Tigers for the 2024 season. However, his performances didn’t go unnoticed.
He was soon invited to train with Essendon’s VFL side, a sign that clubs at the next level are paying attention. At 20, Scott sits at a unique crossroad—one where he could pursue a VFL opportunity, continue dominating at local level, or even serve as a mentor for younger players like Makuey and Rongdit. His ability to read the play, win contested ball, and impact games consistently has made him a central figure in the region’s football scene. Many in the Colac community believe he has the attributes to take the next step if he chooses to do so.
Building Colac’s Football Future
These three players represent more than individual talent—they are the result of years of community effort, supportive coaching, and investment in junior development. Their stories also serve as inspiration for younger players currently cutting their teeth at local clubs and dreaming of one day pulling on an AFL jumper. Colac’s ability to produce such talent on a consistent basis speaks volumes about the health of its football culture. In an era where regional clubs are facing increasing competition from metropolitan programs and schools, the success of players like Rongdit, Makuey, and Scott reaffirms the strength of country football. The presence of elite pathways like the AFL National Academy and Diversity All Stars program ensures that rural players aren’t overlooked, but it’s still the local clubs doing the heavy lifting in those formative years.
The growing attention on local talent has also brought Colac into the spotlight for broader football discussions. As conversations around youth development, talent retention, and scouting intensify, Colac’s football ecosystem is increasingly viewed as a model for nurturing potential.
Colac’s emerging stars are not just players to watch—they are the embodiment of the town’s footy heart and soul. Whether it’s Ben Rongdit chasing down opponents in the backline, Alex Makuey breaking lines through the midfield, or Bailey Scott leading by example in the Colac Tigers jumper, these names are ensuring that the future of football in Colac remains as bright as ever.
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