Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
INCREASING pressure will be a key for the Bendigo Pioneers in the TAC Cup match against North Ballarat Rebels on Good Friday at Epsom-Huntly Reserve.
Both clubs had markedly different starts to their season.
Bendigo is on the rebound from a 107-point loss to Murray Bushrangers. The Rebels were within two points of Geelong when the final siren sounded.
Bendigo Pioneers coach Brett Henderson said on Thursday that increasing team involvements and team starts was a major goal.
"Spoils, smothers, shepherds, tackles and handball receives are tallies that have to be a lot higher than they were last week," Henderson said of what was his first match for premiership points as Pioneers coach.
"Pressure on the opposition is important, especially against a team like North Ballarat which likes to take the game on, transfers the ball a lot in the back half, and is adventurous."
The Pioneers squad of 25, of which 24 will play, includes Red Cliffs clubmates Liam McGlashan and Jonty Marciano, Kobe Mutch from Gol Gol, Maryborogh's Billy Mahony, and Moama's Lachlan Schultz.
"Billy Mahony is a bigger-bodied on-ball player. He can lead the way at centre bounces and stoppages."
Bendigo goes into the game without Tommy Cole and Aidyn Johnson. They will play for the AIS-AFL Academy against Werribee Tigers.
North Ballarat likes to take the game on and play with some dare and flair
- Brett Henderson
The action at Epsom kicks off with the under-16s at noon.
The under-18s game starts at 2pm.
Bendigo Pioneers under-18s
B B. Blake K. Mutch M. Trait
Hb: X. Elford L. McGlashan J. Fox
C: L. Ryan J. Atley B. Edwards
Hf: J. White R. Free J. Burke
F: J. Firebrace J. Ryan J. Harvey
Foll: J. Lawton S. Simmons L. Tardrew
Interchange: (from) J. Muscatello, K. Mueller, L. Schultz, B. Worsnop, J. Marciano, M. Chisari, B. Mahony
North Ballarat under-18s
B: B. Blake K. Mutch M. Trait
Hb: X. Elford L. McGlashan J. Fox
C: L. Ryan J. Atley B. Edwards
Hf: J. White R. Free J. Burke
F: J. Firebrace J. Ryan J. Harvey
Foll: J. Lawton S. Simmons L. Tardrew
Interchange: (from) J. Muscatello, K. Mueller, L. Schultz, B. Worsnop, J. Marciano, M. Chisari, B. Mahony