BATTLE-hardened Adam Sewell has been chosen as the man to lead Ballarat Football League’s AFL Victoria Country Championships campaign this weekend.
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Sewell has been appointed captain of the BFL interleague side to take on Bendigo in the crucial interleague match on Saturday, forming a familiar duo with coach Shane Skontra.
The pair worked closely together for the Central Highlands’ interleague campaigns in 2012 and 2013, when they claimed back-to-back victories as captain and coach.
Now, they have been entrusted to lead Ballarat’s charge back up the statewide interleague rankings.
Ballarat is ranked as the fifth-best league in Victoria but would advance to the third versus fourth match next year with a win against Bendigo.
However, a loss could see the league drop as far back as number seven.
Sewell was also previously vice-captain for the BFL in 2010 and 2011 and is by far the most experienced interleague representative in the side.
He will be supported by vice-captains Shane Page and Brad Murphy.
“I feel really comfortable playing representative footy. I’ve got that experience there,” Sewell said.
“I’m not in my shell at all and I think that’s important with interleague footy.
“It’s important to break down the barriers that might exist.
“I’ve always been a big campaigner for interleague footy and it’s a great honour to be named captain.”
Ballarat’s final squad will not be decided until late in the week, with possible unavailability due to VFL commitments likely to be a big factor.
Meanwhile, Bendigo’s playing list has been dealt some major injury blows with at least five likely starters going down with injuries at the weekend.
Former AFL stars Stephen Milne and Corey Jones have also been ruled out of the Bendigo squad.
The match will start at Eastern Oval at 1.30pm on Saturday.
patrick.nolan@fairfaxmedia.com.au