Adelaide Crows debutant Patrick Dangerfield is a possible inclusion in the Geelong Falcons' line-up, which will host the Rebels at Kardinia Park in an AFL curtain raiser on Sunday.

Dangerfield has been named on the interchange in the 25-man Falcons squad.

North Ballarat coach Chris Maple said it would be interesting if the quick and versatile midfielder lined up.

The Rebels have been preparing to face a tireless hard-running Falcons unit - with or without Dangerfield - but the young Crow has potential to create major headaches.

"This will well and truly test our boys, see if they are fit enough," Maple said.

"The Falcons play a very quick, fast-moving game and the only way we can conquer that is to get the footy off them and use it effectively whenever we have the chance."

The Rebels enter the clash after four rounds of heavy wet-weather footy.

A faster, carpet-like surface at Kardinia Park should challenge the Rebels, especially considering the home team's potent mix of skill and pace.

But staying fresh and focussed will be the Rebels' biggest hurdle, with about a third of Rebels playing school football grand finals.

The Falcons are still raw from a shock loss to Eastern Ranges, a team the Rebels crushed by 15 goals three weeks ago, and will be hungry to bite back hard.

Maple has kept Rebels' training centred on mental toughness to prevent tired bodies.

"A lot of the game in TAC Cup level comes down to mental tactics - being accountable, first to the football and using the football well," Maple said.

Rebels' key ball-magnet Chris Giampaolo will be sorely missed after bursting a blood vessel in his leg yesterday morning.

Tyler George will step into his place with the chance to cement a spot in the team heading into finals.

Josh Beardsell returns to the Rebels' back-line after illness.