The Bendigo Pioneers’ pre-season campaign hits top gear on Sunday when the club hosts the Greatern Western Victoria Rebels in four practice matches.
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Formerly known as the North Ballarat Rebels, the Greatern Western Victoria Rebels will play the Pioneers in one under-16 match, an under-18 girls game and two under-18 matches at Epsom Huntly Recreation Reserve.
“We have picked two even teams for the under-18 games,’’ new Pioneers coach Rick Coburn said.
“We’ll have 28 players in each team and everyone will get a run. “
Coburn said the under-18 matches are a chance for players to impress before the club finalises its squad for 2017.
“That’s what practice matches are all about… giving players the opportunity to shine,’’ Coburn said.
“It’s an exciting time for everyone. I’m sure we’ll be a bit rough around the edges, but that’s fine.”
Coburn said the Pioneers’ coaching staff would cut some players from the club’s list next week, while the final squad would be announced after the March 4 practice match against Murray Bushrangers.
The Pioneers’ under-18 girls squad, which is coached by Shawn McCormick, plays its first game of the season on March 4 at Punt Rd.
On Sunday, the under-16 game against the Rebels starts at 10am on the main oval at Epsom, with the under-18 girls game to start at 11am on oval two.
The under-18 matches will be played at 12.30pm and 2.30pm.