THE Bendigo Pioneers mark their first interstate trip in several years when they tackle Tasmania in Saturday's AFL Victoria TAC Cup under-18 football match in Hobart.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
A Pioneers line-up that has drawn players from as far afield as Mildura, Echuca, West Broken Hill, Rochester, Golden Square, Maryborough, Moama, Sandhurst, Cohuna, Gol Gol, Red Cliffs, Kyabram, Leitchville-Gunbower and Wentworth will be keen to play well against Tasmania's young stars.
The Pioneers welcome back Kobe Mutch, Lachlan Ryan and Mitchell Bruns for the round nine clash.
The classy Tommy Cole from Sandhurst heads to Perth to represent Victoria Country in the NAB AFL national championships match against Western Australia.
Although yet to break their season duck, Pioneers' coach Brett Henderson said the team had improved markedly in recent games.
"The key is to be deeper in the contest for longer, through quarters and for the complete match," Henderson said.
"It's important we are not allowing bad moments to turn into bad minutes where the opposition scores multiple goals."
Henderson said defensive urgency and two-way running had lifted a lot.
"Tasmania is an exciting side that had a kick-handball ratio of one-one and really likes to run.
"We must be switched on defensively, but also work on attacking and capitalising on scoring chances.
"Stopping their run and high workrate at stoppages will be important."
