ATTACKING and fast paced football - that is what the Bathurst Bushrangers Rebels are expecting when they square off with the Bathurst Giants this Saturday.
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It is a prospect that has Rebels co-coach Tim Hunter excited ahead of the clash at George Park 1 as his men look to make it two-from-two to start their Central West AFL season.
They head into the local derby on the back of a hard fought 21-point win over the Dubbo Demons.
"It's a good way to start the season I suppose, two massive games," Hunter said.
"They were fantastic Dubbo, it's probably the best they've travelled to Bathurst in a long time and by the looks of it they've recruited well. It was a really competitive hit out, which is what you want.
"It was pretty close there in the end and we'll be better for the run hopefully, hopefully that will assist us this weekend."
While the Giants sat out the opening round with the bye, Hunter knows fitness was a key element for his Bathurst rivals last season as they advanced all the way the the preliminary final.
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The Giants' midfield was especially impressive, which means the battle for centre clearances may very well be a decisive factor on Saturday.
If Rebels can get quick ball inside their 50, they have plenty of scoring options in the forwards.
"From previous games I think you can say both teams will look to attack and it will be a fast-paced game I'd imagine, even on the smaller oval. It's going to be a tough one, but it should be a good match for sure," Hunter said.
"They play that ground really well, so winning the centre clearances is going to be key to just get that field position straight away. They've got a pretty strong midfield, but hopefully we can match it with them.
"It is a really good rivalry to have, the games against them are super competitive and we are looking forward to the challenge.
"They've got another season into their talented juniors and that is going to make them a tough ask. But it's a good rivalry to have, it's good for footy in Bathurst and it's good for the league."
Opening bounce on Saturday at George Park 1 is at 2.30pm.