PROMISING youngster Darcy Tucker makes his VFL debut with North Ballarat Roosters against Geelong at Eureka Stadium on Sunday.
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However, his first appearance will not follow the traditional path of North Ballarat Rebels players.
Tucker has been named in the Selkirk Roosters’ 22 rather than as the 23rd player, which has become the usual pathway for TAC Cup under-18 players to be blooded in the VFL. Tucker’s inclusion underline the potential of the Horsham teenager.
He is one of three Rebels invited to the AFL draft combine at Etihad Stadium in October.
Tucker from Horsham Saints in the Wimmera Football League, is the fourth Rebels player to play with the Roosters this year. His inclusion allows Sam Hooper, who is a first year player on the Roosters’ list, to make his second appearance as 23rd player.
With Tucker in, the Roosters also regain Nick Couch, and North Melbourne-listed pair Trent Dumont and Ryan Bastinac. Bastinac has been dropped for what will be his second stint in the VFL this season.
North Ballarat has named an extended bench, with Jordan Staley, Rowan Marshall, Jackson Bolton, Lucas Anderson and Sam Scott also inclusions.
The Roosters will not finalise their line-up until after North Melbourne trains on Friday. James Keeble, who has a hamstring strain, is the play confirmed to be missing from the team which thrashed Northern Blues.
Robin Nahas, who kicked seven goals in that win, is in contention to be selected by North Melbourne as is Aaron Mullett and Max Warren.
Tenth-placed Geelong is on six wins, one win and two positions better off than North Ballarat.
Roosters line-up to face Geelong at Eureka Stadium on Sunday, 1.30pm:
B: Schache, Tippett*, Kiel
HB: Hoy, Boseley, Mullett*
C: Peters, McKenzie*, Warren#
HF: Couch, Black*, George
F: A Hooper, Stephenson, Garner*
R: Preuss*, Rippon, Sewell
Inter from: Tucker, Lockyer, Tsitas, Dumont*, S Hooper^, Lanyon, Bacon, Nahas*, Bolton, Marshall, Staley, Anderson, Scott
*North Melbourne listed