After a disappointing NAB League loss to the Geelong Falcons last Saturday, Bendigo Pioneers' coach Danny O'Bree questioned his side's mental application to the match.
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His response to fix the problem - hand the reins over to the players at training on Tuesday night.
"The players took training on Tuesday night and the coaches didn't say a word,'' O'Bree said.
"We have a lot of quiet players in our developing group this year and this was a good chance for the group to find some voice, so that they can help each other out more on game day.
"The players thought they got a lot out of it (on Tuesday night). Training on Thursday night was nothing short of sensational. What that means for Sunday's game... we'll have to wait and see."
The Pioneers host Dandenong at the QEO from 1pm on Sunday and they'll be without several experienced players, including leaders Jack Evans and Sam Conforti, who've been called up to play in Essendon's VFL side.
Strathfieldsaye duo Tom Bennett and Riley Taylor will make their debut for the Pioneers (4-2).
Dandenong (2-2) haven't played for a month because of lockdown, but O'Bree is expecting a tough contest.
"They've got really good size and some serious talent,'' he said of Dandenong.
"They'll be a formidable opponent. I know we've had a couple of losses, but I think this will be our biggest challenge so far."
Bendigo Pioneers team to play Dandenong:
B: 47. B. James, 41. L. Wright, 38. Z. Murley. HB: 16. R. Monti, 7. R. O'Keefe, 10. B. Stevens. C: 22. T. Bennett, 32. J. Humphreys, 40. L. White. HF: 4. J. Hickman, 20. M. Hallinan, 15. J. Stewart. F: 30. B. Barnes, 36. W. Sheahan, 56. H. Reid. R: 35. F. Ellis Castle, 11. C. Maxted, 2. H. Gallagher. Int: 14. C. Anderson, 43. C. Barnett, 9. A. Hare, 59. J. Nihill, 29. C. Smith, 49. R. Taylor. Emg: 6. N. Kay, 25. J. Mezzatesta.
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