NORTH Ballarat Rebels’ depth will be put to the test with a squad featuring no fewer than seven changes set to take on Bendigo Pioneers at Epsom Huntly Reserve on Friday.
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Coach David Loader has included six first-gamers alongside Horsham midfielder Billy Lloyd for round three of the TAC Cup under-18 football season.
Loader described last week’s tight defeat to Geelong Falcons as a “terrific start” to the season, but is lamenting the loss of key position utility Tom Schnerring, who will miss the rest of the season with a knee reconstruction.
Ruckman Todd Lawrence and Luke McLeod will also miss through injury, with captain Darcy Tucker, Jacob Hopper and Yestin Eades also unavailable through AFL Academy duties.
The Rebels and Pioneers are desperate to get their first win on the board, with the latter belted to the tune of 107 points by the Murray Bushrangers.
“They haven’t won a game and they’re going to really want to be at their very, very best,” Loader said.
“We’re being tested earlier than normal, but I’m confident that the guys can come in and play their role.
“These (incoming) guys understand the style of football we’re going to play and it’s about having confidence and trust in each another.”
The Rebels will be hard-pressed to find avenues to goal on the Bendigo ground, with Hopper, Schnerring and Tucker combining for eight majors last week.
New faces include Cobden’s Christian Koroneos, who will be thrown into full-back duties in his first game.
Bottom-ager Jarrod Berry will start on a back flank, while Ararat’s Tom Williamson and Casterton’s Todd Clode will start across the centre line.
Lloyd Meek and Charlie Lee have been named to start on the bench.
Loader said the message had been the same for all the debutantes this week.
“Nothing changes,” he said.
“It will be all about our effort and intensity.”
OTHER TAC CUP MATCHES
Gippsland Power v Murray Bushrangers
Northern Knights v Sandringham Dragons
Eastern Ranges v Calder Cannons
Western Jets v Oakleigh Chargers
Dandenong Stingrays v Geelong Falcons
michael.pollock@fairfaxmedia.com.au