IT was more than three months ago, but Bendigo Pioneers coach Brett Henderson can still vividly recall the disastrous third quarter his side produced against North Ballarat.
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Having been level with the Rebels at half-time – 3.6 apiece – the Pioneers then gave up 10 goals to one in the third quarter on the way to a 70-point loss.
The two country rivals meet again on Sunday at the QEO, with Henderson determined to right the wrongs of that round five debacle and earn back some respect from the Rebels.
“They were probably a little bit arrogant towards us as that third quarter unfolded last time, and we certainly want to earn a bit of respect back on Sunday,” Henderson said on Friday.
“I felt we lost a fair bit of respect in that third quarter, so the boys are all looking forward to working hard to get a bit back.”
The Pioneers head into Sunday’s clash with a 4-10 record and one game outside the top eight, while the Rebels (9-5) are fifth.
Bendigo – coming off a 21-point win over Oakleigh – has suffered a blow with the withdrawal of Kobe Mutch (foot), while the Rebels will be missing up to 13 players due to St Patrick’s College playing in the grand final of the Herald Sun Shield on Saturday at the MCG.
Sunday’s game at the QEO starts at 1pm.