A Cobden debutant credits new coach Adam Courtney for his football development.
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Lifelong Bomber Will Benallack will make his Hampden league senior debut against North Warrnambool Eagles under lights on Saturday.
Benallack, 19, will join fellow first-gamer Jia Anderson in the Bombers' best 21 for the round two clash.
He said Courtney was a smart appointment.
"For me personally he's been unreal," Benallack said.
"The amount of one-on-one time is great. He comes over and talks to you and if you're a bit down at training he comes over and helps you with pointers.
"As a team, he gets along with the boys so well. I am really grateful he's come to the club."
Benallack, whose older brother Johno now plays for Warrnambool and District league club Nirranda, said he was humbled to earn a senior game.
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He's been at the Bombers since under 12s and lives in Cobden, working as a second-year apprentice builder.
"I am pretty excited. It's a big jump from the under 18s and the couple of ressies games I have played," he said.
"Hopefully I can do my part. I've really focussed on trying to get into the senior team this year.
"I've had a solid pre-season, I've been working hard since October.
"I've been running and doing gym work to get myself fit."
Benallack expects to start on a half-forward flank against the Eagles.
"I will crumb the big fellas and lead up for marks, lead up the ground and present well," he said.
Anderson will fill a role across half-back.
"No doubt he'll fit straight into the team," Benallack said.
"He's a pretty strong, level-headed kid and he'll be up for the role."
Courtney said the two debutants earned their spots.
"Will's had a really good pre-season. He's six-foot-two but he's quite quick," he said.
"He deserves his spot. I am happy for him.
"Jia is a 16-year-old from the under 18s. He's quick and a beautiful kick of the football."
Cobden is coming off a 134-point drubbing to Warrnambool.
The Bombers' injury list is long but Courtney is hopeful it will shrink in coming weeks.
"I counted 13 on the side of the board out injured, all senior footballers," he said.
"Hopefully we'll get nine back after Easter. They'll go through both grades (seniors and reserves)."
The Cobden-North Warrnambool Eagles match will start at 7pm at Cobden Recreation Reserve.
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