The game will be played as a day-night encounter from 2pm.

Under KenMac Shield rules, each team must include at least three players under the age of 21.

Strathdale-Maristians pair James Vlaeminck and Daniel Clohesy and Bendigo duo Kayle Thompson and Bailey Goodwin have been selected as the under-21 players in the BDCA's squad of 12.

Country Week squad members Sam Johnston, Adam Burns, Kyle Humphrys, Liam Smith, Ben Birkhead won't play against Gisborne.

"We're looking forward to representing the BDCA under lights on the QEO, it's a great opportunity for the players to showcase their skills as we prepare for Melbourne Country Week," BDCA coach Shane Koop said.

"It's fantastic this game as been fixtured on the QEO, it's reflective of the importance of this program and the playing group is grateful for the BDCA and the City of Greater Bendigo for making it happen.

"Gisborne defeated us last season in the KenMac Shield, so we're certainly keen to implement our game plans better this time around.

"The opportunity to select under-21 players for the KenMac Shield is great for player development, the players we have selected have preformed well in recent times within the BDCA and we view them as potential Melbourne Country Week players and leaders in years to come."

BDCA team to play Gisborne on Sunday:

Ben DeAraugo (c), Ryan Hartley (vc), James Vlaeminck, Daniel Clohesy, Kayle Thompson, Bailey Goodwin, Rhys Irwin, Grant Waldron, Scott Trollope, Jack Neylon, Dylan Klemm, Savith Priyan.

Read more: BDCA and EVCA teams for this weekend

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