HOW is this batch of North Ballarat Rebels?
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They will test their game against TAC Cup under-18 benchmark and ladder leader Oakleigh Chargers a week after the Rebels chalked up a third-consecutive win.
The Rebels remain buoyed by that 10-goal victory, too – it was the first time they had beaten Calder Cannons in about five seasons.
Oakleigh Chargers are tipped to lose a band of private school boys but their core line-up is still set to feature a string of highly fancied draftable talent.
Rebels coach David Loader said the Chargers would be tough and a good challenge.
“We want to play against good teams. We’ll find out how we go,” he said.
“It was a great win last week. For the players to go out there and do that, we were most pleased with the way they played.
“I’ve been really happy with the effort of the boys.”
AFL Victoria has nominated this clash as a marquee game that, for the first time in the TAC Cup’s 24-year history, will feature a full female umpiring contingent.
The Rebels have yet to finalise their squad after fitness testing.
Loader confirmed they would rest key playmaker Jacob Hopper for knee soreness this week.
Promising forward Sam White has been ruled out with a leg injury – he was stretchered off in the second quarter last week – and Hasker Dawborn will miss the game as a precaution after a head knock last week.
The Rebels will regain Jarrod Berry, who has been touring New Zealand with the AFL Academy.
Lloyd Meek, Matthew Johnston and Sam McClure are named to return from injury spells.
Koroit’s Willem Drew will play a second week as the Rebels’ 23rd man.
Loader said he was rapt with Drew’s solid debut and looked forward to seeing what the promising youngster could achieve with another chance.
The Rebels face Oakleigh at Warrawee Park and will make their first appearance at Eureka Stadium next weekend, on May 9, hosting Northern Knights.