Recap

North Ballarat ran away with the win in the last quarter by 27 points over the Murray Bushrangers 16.12.108 to 12.9.81. It was a shootout for the first three quarters as neither team able to get a major advantage. Rebels star Hugh McCluggage was the difference and showed why he is a top five prospect, as he was best on ground with 36 touches and three goals.

Peter Bonadio’s scouting notes:

North Ballarat Rebels:

#6 Willem Drew: Good around the footy, used the footy smartly. Drew is also very effective by foot.

#7 Hugh McCluggage: He is a difference maker for the team when he lifts others lift. Superb in traffic and will firm his name as a No.1 contender.

Murray Bushragers:

#1 Esava Ratugolea: Showed promising signs. Great contest mark and accurate set shot. Went quiet for some time before going into the ruck where he got is hands on the footy and become dangerous again.

#7 William Brodie: Suffered a shoulder injury early in the contest and was quiet. His best quarter was the second.

#8 Jake Page: Like Pinnuck, Page good off half back especially in the last quarter when the defence was under pressure.

#11 Louis Pinnuck: Good around half back when team was under pressure. Pinnuck also had the ability to go forward and hit the scoreboard twice in the last quarter.

#40 Todd Marshall: Suffered concussion early in the contest and didn’t return.