An undefeated Vic Country cannot lose its grip on its first cup win in five years but still has one assignment left, hosting Western Australia at Geelong’s Simonds Stadium on Thursday afternoon.

Rebels’ captain Darcy Tucker (Horsham Saints), Jarrod Berry (Horsham Saints) and Yestin Eades (St Patrick’s College) will be in action for Vic Country’s final championships game.

Eades, who hails from Perth, gets a second chance to play against his old home state. Country made light work of its division one rival for a 105-point win in the second round of the championships.

Matt Johnston (North Ballarat City) has played four Country games and is likely to move back into TAC Cup competition with the Rebels this week. 

AFL Victoria and Rebels talent manager Phil Partington said four games was a great result for Johnston in the championships, one of three 19-year-old players to rotate through Country’s campaign.

​Rebels Connor Byrne and Jacob Hopper will also be in championship action at Simonds Stadium on Thursday, representing division two state NSW/ACT against Queensland.

Hopper has been named best on ground in NSW/ACT’s two matches. Partington said Hopper was developing well on the Rebels list and could shape up as an important player for Greater Western Sydney by national draft time.

Rebels duo Daniel Rioli and Ezikiel Frank played for Northern Territory against Tasmania at Etihad Stadium on Wednesday in the final round of the championships.

Meanwhile, the Rebels will host Western Jets at Eureka Stadium on Saturday.