Seven players from the region will take to the field with four of those set to make their debuts at home against the Bendigo Pioneers.

Horsham Saints player Mitch Martin has been named on the half forward flank while Saints teammate Brayden Helyar has been included in the back pocket for his first game.

Rebels talent manager Phil Partington said Helyar had worked extremely hard during pre-season.

“He’s given himself every chance to get to the highest fitness level and we think he’s certainly best suited to play that defensive role for us,” he said. 

“Mitch has shown a lot of class during pre-season; he’ll get chance to run on-ball for us as part of rotations as well. He really deserves his opportunity as a bottom-age player.”

Ararat Rats footballer Jayden Wright will make his debut at full back and Kaniva-Leeor United’s Kayne Councillor will play from the forward pocket.

“Jayden played under-16s last year and has developed well over the pre-season,” Partington said. “He’s a big-bodied young lad and has a lot of determination.

“Kayne has added a bit of x-factor to our program and our forward-line structures. He’s kicked multiple goals in trial games and he’s certainly working hard to provide that spark around the group.”

Tom Berry, Charlie Wilson and Angus Gove will look to continue the form that saw them regularly feature in the side in 2017.

Partington said their experience at the level will be important on a team which features 12 debutantes.

“They’ve all got themselves to the level they need to be at again,” he said. “Those more experienced guys we have will be able to lead the way a little bit more.”

The big day at Mars Stadium will see the TAC Cup girls kick off the action in the morning before the Rebels under-16 development squad plays its first game from midday.

The first bounce for the TAC Cup game will be at 2pm.

“The boys have gone through a rigorous pre-season,” he said. “We started with 145 boys and then we got it down to 48 and now we are at round one; its really exciting.

“To have all three parts of our elite football program playing at the one place on the one day is great for Western Victoria.”