Players who've already turned 19 are ineligible to play this weekend because of COVID-19 related guidelines that restrict the return to sport of people over the age of 18.

The Pioneers and Bushrangers have been forced to make a host of changes to their squads, with both teams fielding several players under the age of 17.

"We've probably made 13 changes to the side that played in our last game against Calder,'' Pioneers' coach Danny O'Bree said.

"19-year-olds Jack Evans, Zavier Murley, Finn Ellis Castle, Ryan O'Keefe, Cooper Smith, Jack Hickman, Brodie James and Jordan Humphries can't play and Sam Conforti is injured anyway.

"The super exciting thing is we get to bring in some new players and Jacob Nihill, Mitch Hallinan, Harley Reid, Charlie Barnett and Noah Long will play their first game for the club.

"All the other teams are in the same boat. I've spoken to the Bushrangers and they're bringing in some raw talent as well. It's exciting for both clubs to see this young talent coming through."

The 19-year-olds were ruled out of NAB League action on Friday afternoon, leaving the clubs little time to prepare a game style for Sunday's game.

"We'll go in undersized this week, so our game plans go out the window,'' O'Bree said.

"Our coaching has to be fluid this week, so essentially it's a case of just letting the boys play footy. That has its benefits.

"It will be interesting to see how the boys gel together. It could be the best thing to happen to the program.

The Pioneers-Bushrangers game and the Greater Western Victoria Rebels versus Geelong Falcons game are the only two NAB League matches this weekend.

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"These games will count on the ladder...they were games that were going to be played later in the season that have been brought forward,'' O'Bree said.

"If we have to go into lockdown again down the track then we're banking these games now. If we don't (go into lockdown) then we might get a week off later in the season (when other clubs catch-up). The NAB League fixture is very flexible at the moment."

The Pioneers' final squad for Sunday won't be named unitl after Friday night's training session.

Sunday's game at Victoria Park starts at 2.30pm.

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