The gala day was the start of the North Ballarat Rebels talented player pathway program. 

Players from four regions, Wimmera, Hampden, South West and Ballarat, had the opportunity to showcase their skills. A total of 48 will be chosen to play in the V-Line Cup for the Rebels. 

Wimmera-Mallee coach Jason Muldoon said the day progressed as expected. 

“They were good. It’s a big shock for the players to compete at this next level,” he said. 

“The first quarter was sluggish from the side but that wasn’t unexpected.

“It is hard to train for game situations at this level without playing against other sides.” 

Muldoon said the team had played well together in patches. 

“I wasn’t paying attention to the score, just how we played. We ended up losing by two goals,” he said. 

“I mixed and matched players’ positions because in this day and age a footballer has to be able to play in a variety of spots.

“I told the boys that this is a huge investment in their future and they should go out and play well but also enjoy themselves.”

To see the full team click here.