THREE Bendigo Pioneers will mark their TAC Cup debut in Saturday’s home game against Oakleigh Chargers at Queen Elizabeth Oval.
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Wentworth’s Jake Healy, Eaglehawk’s Lachlan Atherton, and Balranald’s Laine Fitzgerald have earned a call-up.
Birchip-Watchem’s Riley Hogan and Assumption College’s Mitchell Trait also return for the round 12 clash.
Pioneers’ coach Brett Henderson said Healy, Atherton and Fitzgerald would add pace and skill from the flanks or across midfield.
“As a club we are committed to giving as many players as possible on the list to play TAC Cup,” Henderson said.
“Jake, Lachlan and Laine have worked hard to earn this opportunity.”
A skilful small forward, Fitzgerald is from the Pioneers under-16s squad.
“Laine and Isaac Johnson, who played his first TAC Cup match last round, are two talented forwards and exciting prospects.”
Trait’s run and rebound from half-back will be important.
Hogan represented Northern Territory in last weekend’s AFL under-18 championships clash with NSW-ACT.
“Riley is likely to play half-back or through midfield,” Henderson said.
Hogan’s opponents in the under-18 championships match included Pioneers clubmates Sam Simmons from Mildura and Kobe Mutch from Wentworth.
Pioneers outs for this week include Mutch and Simmons, as they will play for NSW-ACT; along with Kyabram’s Kyle Mueller, injured, and South Mildura’s Matt Chisari.
The Pioneers face a big task in trying to halt Oakleigh’s charge.
“Oakleigh is a rebounding, running team,” Henderson said.
“They like to take the game on.
“The Chargers play a similar style to what NSW-ACT did against us a couple of weeks ago.”
Bendigo’s winless run ended as it fought back to beat NSW-ACT by three points.
”The workrate in that match was excellent,” Henderson said of the Pioneers play.
“It’s important we bring that level of energy and intent to defend and pressure the opposition.
“Oakleigh likes to set up a play from half-back, so our forwards must pressure and not allow easy transition.”
Goals for Bendigo include quicker movement of the ball to attack.
“In our forward half we tend to over-use the footy and allow teams to set up inside the 50m arc.
“Quick movement and deeper entries will put Oakleigh’s defence under greater pressure.”
Saturday’s match at the QEO in View Street starts at 1.30pm.
