North Ballarat backs Hughes for Sebastopol showdown
Young North Ballarat star Michael Hughes confirmed to start Saturday's do-or-die preliminary final against Sebastopol in just his fourth senior game.
Coach Clinton Proctor has named Hughes for just his fourth senior game this season in the crunch clash. Hughes played 15 games for the Rebels before their season ended last weekend and returns to his home club now.
Proctor rates him highly: he compares Hughes's trajectory to Dom Penny and says he sees a big future ahead. Hughes plays wing or half-forward, brings pace and good disposal, and is part of the leadership group at the Rebels.
This weekend's game is the fourth time the teams have met in 2026, so both know what to expect.
- fourth
- Senior games this season
- 15
- Rebels games played
- fourth time
- Team meetings in 2026
- wing or half-forward
- Position
Why it mattersThe preliminary final is do-or-die; Hughes gives North Ballarat a proven player at a crucial moment.
AustraliaVictorian footy fans and North Ballarat supporters will see a young local talent tested in the biggest game of the club's year.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 1 d ago
