FRESH FACES IN BFL SQUAD

BENDIGO will unveil 16 first-time inter-league players for tomorrow’s battle with goldfields rival Ballarat.Of Bendigo’s team of 24 that will take on Ballarat at Bacchus Marsh’s Maddingley Park, only Anthony Belcher, Leigh Rees, Ryan Connaughton, Casey Summerfield, Brady Herdman, Tyrone Downie, Ollie Messaoudi and Mark Lloyd have previously worn the blue and gold of the BFL.The squad, to be coached by Jeff Brennan, trained at the QEO last night.After the debacle of last week when just nine players turned up for the first training run, forcing the session to be abandoned, all 24 players attended last night.However, star forward Justin Maddern was forced to watch from the sidelines and is in doubt.Brennan says he is pleased with the make-up of Bendigo’s side, which will be aiming to beat Ballarat for the first time since 2000.“It’s an exciting time for the league to be blooding so many young players who are committed to getting out there and wearing the blue and gold jumper,’’ Brennan said.“We know there has been plenty said about who is not playing, but for us as a coaching panel, it’s all about the 24 blokes who have been selected to represent the league.“We strongly believe we have been able to pick a side to play the way we believe is going to give us the best opportunity to beat Ballarat.“We’ve picked a side to complement our strengths, rather than picking a side to counteract Ballarat’s strengths.“The boys trained strongly tonight and are all really excited about the challenge that lies ahead on Saturday.’’The Bendigo side will be captained by Gisborne on-baller Ollie Messaoudi.While Bendigo will have 16 new faces in its team, Ballarat has selected eight first-time players.Ballarat has had five training sessions under coach Peter Freeman, compared to Bendigo’s sole session last night.The Ballarat team includes three-time Henderson medallist Jarrod Edwards, who will captain the side, and star forward Dan Jordan, who has booted 48 goals - the equal most of any player in the VCFL this season.“I think it’s stronger than our side last year (that played in Pool A of the VCFL Country Championships),’’ Freeman said.“There’s a bit more depth and a much stronger forward line when you throw Robbie Gregg in there, along with Dan Jordan, who weren’t there last year.“Then you have (ex-North Melbourne player) Callum Urch as well, so it straightens us up.“The commitment of all our boys has been fantastic and I couldn’t fault our preparation, so I imagine we will give a good account of ourselves.’’Tomorrow’s senior game starts at 2.15pm.