Greater Western Victoria Rebels have made four changes to their line up ahead of their home game against the Western Jets in TAC Cup competition on Sunday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Angus Gove (Horsham Saints) comes into the round seven side for his second game after making his debut against Dandenong Stingrays in round three.
Mathew Schnerring (Warrnambool) is also hoping to make his return after missing last week’s clash because of a corked thigh.
Schnerring will need to train well on Friday night before being cleared to play.
While Jack Antonio is set to make his debut.
Coach Gerard FitzGerald said minimal changes to the team would enable the boys to have some continuity in their training and playing, and would also make a difference to their mindset.
“We will be looking more at getting the best out of the boys who played last week, remembering that we were pretty good for three quarters but we were soundly beaten in one quarter,” he said.
“We did have a few (debutants) last week so it’s more about trying to settle down and consolidate the team, and show a bit of faith.”
The Western Jets are coming off a 24-point loss to the Geelong Falcons and join the Rebels with two wins and four losses so far this season.
FitzGerald said the Rebels needed to go back to doing the basics well enough for long enough.
“Last week we were below what our expectations were and it probably is a matter of the group absorbing the key messages from the previous game, taking the feedback on board and responding really well,” he said.
“In previous weeks we’ve become more efficient forward of centre and we’ve been very happy with our ball movement.
“When we win we move the ball really well and we defend well both in transition and at stoppages.”
FitzGerald said the first home game at the redeveloped Eureka Stadium was a historic moment for the club and would be a great thrill for the young group of players.
The team will have a solid training session on Friday night ahead of the game.