Training this week has been positive among the Rebels, who were keen to get back on the TAC Cup under-18 winners' list.

The Rebels return to their home base AUSTAR Arena on Sunday to host the Eastern Ranges, in a battle to cement a spot in the competition's top eight.

North Ballarat coach Chris Maple said the squad was approaching it as a big match but more importantly, it was about getting the basics right.

"We're not going to change much about how we play but we've got to make sure we're getting the little things right, like disposals and our accountability," Maple said.

"We've showed we're a competitive side and we need to do that again."

The Rebels last met Eastern mid-May in round six and notched up a 22-point win at home.

Eastern enters the clash on two big losses against quality teams and will be desperate to snare the four points.

The Rebels are also coming off two losses but showed signs against Bendigo last week that they will go down fighting.

But Maple has warned his troops to be wary - clubs approach AUSTAR Arena as a challenge.

They revel the potential satisfaction of victory on the lengthy road trip.

Proof was in the Rebels' last home outing.

Visitor Gippsland had done its homework and taught the Rebels a lesson in wet weather footy to the tune of 80 points.

The Rebels have called in small forward Matt Cranage to replace Tyler George, who is sidelined with a niggling lower back injury.

"Hard nut" defender Josh Beardsell has returned from injury alongside Kerian Robinson, who will free up Jake Garvey and Jordan Roughead from the ruck to assume other duties around the ground.

Rebels action gets underway at noon.