Just three members from the losing 2014 interleague side have moved on from the BFL this year, meaning the consistency that had been desired for so long is finally within reach.

 Last year’s captain Brendan Peace is travelling overseas this year, while Ballarat’s Sam Conroy and Melton South’s Reece Miles have left Ballarat.

For the remaining 22, however, all appear destined to make themselves available for interleague once again this year.

Skontra said gaining the consistency, which he hoped would make the interleague side almost a 12th club for the BFL, was crucial for the long-term success of Ballarat.

“It’s great to have nearly all the other guys from last year jump on board ... that’s what we wanted from the start,” he said. “From last year’s squad of 25, 22 of them were aged 23 or below, so we are all very young but with that year of experience.”

At initial glance, it might appear last year’s squad was somewhat stacked in favour of the western end of the BFL, with just five players representing the eastern bloc clubs.

However, Skontra said the interleague side was as united as ever.

“We’ve been focused on not even using the language of east and west,” he said.

“There were guys in the squad from all over last year; they just didn’t quite make the final 25 in the end. 

“The commitment is there, no doubt.”

Ballarat will come up against Bendigo in May, in what is a crucial match for both leagues.

The two sides are ranked fifth and sixth respectively, meaning the victor will advance to the second-ranked match in country Victoria next year, while the loser will drop to the fourth tier.

patrick.nolan@fairfaxmedia.com.au