In what could be considered the biggest game of the Ballarat Football Netball League season, North Ballarat City will be significantly shorthanded ahead of their 2018 grand final rematch against East Point.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
North, who have only lost one of their first five games, will host East Point at Mars Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The last time these two sides played was also at Mars Stadium in the 2018 A-grade grand final, which North won 50-42.
The excitement ahead of the marquee match-up has been somewhat diminished with the news North will be missing three-key players and their coach for the game.
City coach Annie McCartin told The Courier both Gina and Stacey McCartin as well as herself would not be available for the game.
"Us McCartin's always go away for the Swan Hill racing carnival every year so Stacy and Gina won't be playing," she said.
Also unavailable for the outing is versatile player Poppy Douglass. This has provided an chance for an exciting young duo to get their opportunity in A-grade.
Under 19 players Eliza Bennet and Remy Lawless will both enter the side, with McCartin optimistic about their prospects.
"It's great for a couple of our young ones to get an opportunity play in A-grade. It's a fantastic opportunity for them and they're ready to go out and give 110 per cent."
McCartin said she is still confident in her side's ability to challenge one of the competition's best teams despite missing players.
"(Winning) would be just fantastic, I have complete confidence in the girls that are there that they're going to give it a red-hot crack.
"To actually come over the top and beat a team that hasn't been beaten all year it would just confirm that we're on the right track."
McCartin praised her team for the togetherness they've showcased early in the season.
"Our girls just seem to have a great sense of respect for each other and have got the ability to settle into our expectations... they all know what needs to be done to win and they go out and do it."
Have you signed up to The Courier's variety of news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in Ballarat.