Kemp, from Echuca, ruptured his ACL late in the 2019 season, but that didn't stop the Blues from picking the talented utility with selection 17 of that year's National Draft.

After missing all of the 2020 season, Kemp has steadily built his form with Carlton's VFL side this year.

"It's awesome,'' Pioneers' coach Danny O'Bree said of Kemp's debut.

"He's worked incredibly hard and it's a credit to him. He's in reat physical shape, he's done his apprenticeship at VFL level and I can't wait to see him run out there.

"He can play either end of the ground, he played through the middle for us at times, and he won us a couple of games with the last kick. He's a very talented player."

Kemp is expected to play in defence for the Blues.

Meanwhile, the Bendigo Pioneers' NAB League campaign resumes at the QEO on Sunday.

The Pioneers play the Geelong Falcons at the QEO on Sunday from 1pm and then they have one further home and away round against Greater Western Victoria Rebels in Ballarat the following week.

The finals system is still be to determined because of the ongoing lockdown in Melbourne.

The Pioneers won't be at full strength on Sunday, but they unveil another exciting young talent in the form of Strathfieldsaye ruckman Tim Hosking.

The 19-year-old has impressed with the Storm senior side in the BFNL.

The Bendigo Pioneers' NAB League campaign resumes at the QEO on Sunday.

The Pioneers play the Geelong Falcons at the QEO on Sunday from 1pm and then they have one further home and away round against Greater Western Victoria Rebels in Ballarat the following week.

The finals system is still be to determined because of the ongoing lockdown in Melbourne.

The Pioneers won't be at full strength on Sunday, but they unveil another exciting young talent in the form of Strathfieldsaye ruckman Tim Hosking.

The 19-year-old has impressed with the Storm senior side in the BFNL.

Pioneers' coach Danny O'Bree said it hadn't been an ideal preparation for the club.

"Our training consistency has been pretty good, so that helps,'' O'Bree said.

"In terms of games, some kids have played once in six weeks others haven't played for seven weeks.

"Everyone is probably in the same boat, so it's not worth complaining about.

"We're missing a few players this week because of the BFNL rule where kids are ineligible for the (under-18) finals if they play too many (eight) NAB League games.

"I don't think it's a fair rule for the kids, at all. To do the right thing by the kids and their clubs we've let them go back to playing in the BFNL, so that they can be eligible for finals.

"We're trying to do the right thing by everyone, but we're hamstrung a bit. All we want is for the kids to get the chance to play finals footy - the most important time of the year - for their local club. I

"Bottom line is we're grateful to be back out there playing footy and, hopefully, we can get through the rest of the season."

The Pioneers have a 6-4 record, while the Falcons are 4-6.

"Everytime weve played a team-orientated brand of footy our individual attributes standout more,'' O'Bree said. "We've been consistent on that all year and that's our mindset this weekend."

Danny O'Bree said it hadn't been an ideal preparation for the club.

"Our training consistency has been pretty good, so that helps,'' O'Bree said.

"In terms of games, some kids have played once in six weeks others haven't played for seven weeks.

"Everyone is probably in the same boat, so it's not worth complaining about.

"We're missing a few players this week because of the BFNL rule where kids are ineligible for the (under-18) finals if they play too many (eight) NAB League games.

"I don't think it's a fair rule for the kids, at all. To do the right thing by the kids and their clubs we've let them go back to playing in the BFNL, so that they can be eligible for finals.

"We're trying to do the right thing by everyone, but we're hamstrung a bit. All we want is for the kids to get the chance to play finals footy - the most important time of the year - for their local club.

"Bottom line is we're grateful to be back out there playing footy and, hopefully, we can get through the rest of the season."

The Pioneers have a 6-4 record, while the Falcons are 4-6.

"Everytime weve played a team-orientated brand of footy our individual attributes standout more,'' O'Bree said.

"We've been consistent on that all year and that's our mindset this weekend."

Read more: BFNL coaches have their say on revamped finals series

Read more: All of the weekend's footy previews

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