The Pioneers were gallant in defeat to reigning premier Oakleigh last weekend and a repeat of that performance will give them a great chance of defeating the North Ballarat Rebels.

“Our effort has been good in every game,’’ Pioneers coach Brett Henderson said.

“We’ve been close to winning most quarters… it’s only been two to three quarters all season where we’ve been poor.

“We’re really keen for Sunday because we get the chance to play a team that is ranked very similar to us. We’d certainly love to beat Ballarat.”

The Pioneers will be without ball magnet Kobe Mutch, who is on NSW/ACT duties, but they do regain three key players. Skipper Joe Atley and defender Cooper Jones resume from injuries, while classy midfielder Kane Farrell is back from representing the AFL Academy.

Sunday’s game is at Eureka Stadium at 1pm.