NORTH Ballarat Rebels will enter the TAC Cup finals full of confidence after a nail-biting two-point win against top-two side Oakleigh Chargers at Ballarat’s Eureka Stadium on Saturday.
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The Rebels made the most of their opportunities in front of goal to steal a 8.2 (50) to 5.18 (48) win.
The visitors had led by 11 points at three-quarter-time, but could manage only five behinds in the final term.
Rebels coach David Loader praised his side’s performance.
“I felt our effort was super all day and it just goes to show what can be achieved against really good sides like Oakleigh when guys all dig in, put the team first and work hard,” he said.
Oscar McDonald continued his breakout TAC Cup season, earning best-on-ground honours for the fourth time this season, while Jacob O’Beirne was another Wimmera player to have a big effect.
Loader said it was an even team performance, with the backline really having an impact.
“Our backs keep standing up,” he said.
“They keep getting the job done, which is a great quality to have.”
The win returned the Rebels to fourth place on the TAC Cup ladder.
Loader said the group’s second half of the season was superb.
The Rebels lost their first four games, before winning 10 of their next 13.
“I’m rapt for this group of players that they’ve been able to achieve what they have in the second half of the year,” he said.
