Greater Western Victoria Rebels have made five changes to the side set to take on the third-placed Murray Bushrangers at RAMS Arena in Craigieburn on Sunday.
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Three players make their returns with Thomas Berry bouncing back from a knee injury, while both Harrison Hobbs and Lukas Essenwanger have been called upon in the absence of some experienced players.
The trio joins debutants Elliot Lamb and Joe Dodd.
The Rebels are resting key ruckman Lloyd Meek in preparation for his Vic Country round one game in the under-18 national championship.
Rebels coach Gerard FitzGerald said a “nasty” ankle injury to forward Jed Hill meant he would miss “quite a bit” of football.
“He is waiting to see a surgeon at this stage,” FitzGerald said.
“Certainly we think it is medium to long term, may even be season.”
Josh Chatfield comes out of the side with back soreness.
Meanwhile, captain Callan Wellings is set to make his debut for North Ballarat Roosters in the Victorian Football League.