HONEST post-match analysis and a brush with a near-full strength Geelong Falcons proved the Rebels are fallible.
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The one team that has beaten North Ballarat Rebels this season, did so again to end the Rebels’ 10-game TAC Cup winning streak. Geelong Falcons dived in to claim a 40-point win at Eureka Stadium on Sunday, a fixture billed as both a blockbuster and important charity fundraising match.
There was spark and dominance in the Rebels’ game through the first quarter before a persistent Falcons started to peg them back, edge in front, then play smarter wet weather football, particularly in the second half.
Rebels coach David Loader said the match showed supporters just how tight this competition is – a sixth-ranked Geelong beat his team convincingly. And the match reinforced to players there was no room for error.
“The loss seemed a combination of everything perhaps,” Loader said.
“Part of it was we had seven state guys coming back in and settling in and others took their foot off the pedal, thinking they could ease off. maybe thinking that too, being top of the ladder...We didn’t get enough out of too many players but my job as coach is coming up with ways to get more guys involved.”
Matt Johnston and returned all-Australian Jarrod Berry were the Rebels’ best.