HUGH McCluggage is proving to be a linchpin as a player and leader in the North Ballarat Rebels’ rise in the TAC Cup under-18 football competition.
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The South Warrnambool midfielder was again prominent as the Rebels secured their fourth win in a row at Preston on Saturday.
North Ballarat ran away by 60 points and goes to a development week break in fifth position.
Coach Gerard FitzGerald said McCluggage was not just winning the football, he was using it well and working hard off the ball.
He said he particularly liked the way McCluggage was developing his goalklicking.
FitzGerald is a firm believer that midfielders need to be goalkickers to value add to what they have to offer.
McCluggage kicked two goals, while Jordan Johnston led the way with three.
As well as the Rebels find themselves travelling, FitzGerald said there was still much to work on.
He said inside 50s would be a focus in the lead up to their next game against Eastern Ranges at Box Hill on Saturday, May 28.
North Ballarat has prided itself over the past month on getting the ball inside its 50m more than the opposition.
Despite the magnitude of their victory, the Rebels were marginally shaded by the Knights, which had 48.
FitzGerald said his target was at least 50 while restricting the opposition to less than 40.
He said while the Rebels did it well it was important to keep a focus on all facets of the game to ensure they stayed on track.