Bottom-age players Hugh Schaeche (Sandhurst) and Daniel Keating (Golden Square) will make their debut after performing well at BFNL under-18 level.

“At this time of the year we are in a transitional stage and we’re starting to give some of the bottom-age boys an opportunity,’’ Pioneers coach Brett Henderson said.

“While we still want to win games, our focus turns to development.”

Keating, the son of Bendigo jockey John Keating, has come from relative obscurity to force his way on to the Pioneers’ list.

After playing some junior footy in the ruck with White Hills, Keating crossed to Golden Square this year where he has continued to improve.

“Our door is always open here and Daniel has been training with us all year and he deserves a go at this level,’’ Henderson said.

“(Pioneers talent manager) Steve Sharp identified him earlier in the year and he’s reached a point now where we’re confident he can play at the level.”

Schaeche has followed a more traditional path to TAC Cup level, having been one of the BJFL’s best players in each age group he’s played.

“Hugh hasn’t missed a beat all year,’’ Henderson said.

“He has a tremendous attitude and he’s been playing some good footy for Sandhurst.”

The Pioneers should have beaten the Jets when they met earlier this year and go into Sunday’s game confident of success.

“We’re giving some younger players a chance, but we still have a strong side,’’ Henderson said.

“We have the quality of Joe Atley, Braidon Blake, Kayle Kirby, Jack Exell, Riley Saunders, Isaac Miller… some of these boys have played rep footy, VFL footy and senior BFNL footy.

“We’re expecting to win on Sunday.”

Exell played for Geelong’s VFL side last weekend. The dashing defender kicked one goal and had 13 possessions in the Cats’ big win.

“He really enjoyed the opportunity,’’ Henderson said of Exell.

“He played well and it was good for him to see that he can play at that level.”

Sunday’s game at the Queen Elizabeth Oval starts at noon.