The rivalry between the two teams began in the late 1990s during in the Ararat and District Football Association days and in more recent times the Eagles and Lions have been reunited after joining the Mininera and District Football League.

Before the senior game gets underway at 2.15pm both teams will line up and observe a minute's silence, while the 'Ode of Remembrance' will also be read out and a bugler will sound the 'Last Post'.

Eagles' coach Lewis Baker said this special Anzac match is one that his players always look forward to.

"I am obviously pretty new to the club, but the guys have had some good battles over the years I am told," he said.

"It is pretty important, not just for the fact we are playing for the Ararat RSL Anzac Trophy, but in terms of our season. This is our first real chance to be competitive for four quarters and perhaps even get over the line.

"I knew it was going to be a tough start to the year, but there are games that have been marked off along the way and this is definitely one to have a real shot."

Despite heavy losses to Moyston/Willaura (205 points) and Lismore/Derrinallum (167) in the opening two rounds, Baker said his young team is remaining optimistic.

Joey Dukic has lifted after being given the responsibility of a key position at centre half forward, Freddy Stokes has taken to senior football well and captain Ash Leggett is leading from the front in the midfield.

"Even though we aren't getting the wins, the younger boys are staying positive and are saying that they're enjoying their footy because they can see that direction that we are going," Baker said.

"That's the trouble with scoreboards, they don't always give a true story."

The Eagles managed to keep the Pumas scoreless for the first 10 minutes of the opening clash before dropping away.

Baker said there was potential for his team to at least match it, if not win the midfield battle this weekend, given Great Western ruckman Rayne Salmon remains sidelined with injury.

After two strong wins, Tatyoon will travel to Caramut to take on a confident Swans line-up.

Caramut’s defenders will have a tough task of nullifying Steve Butler, Tyler Cronin, Sam Thomson and the like, while Zach Louder did a good job of feeding midfielders Sean McDougall, Mitch Cronin and Brodie Mines last Saturday and will look to build on that form.

Wickliffe/Lake Bolac won’t be taking its clash against Woorndoo/Mortlake lightly following the cellar-dwellers’ competitive start to the season.

Along with Ararat and Great Western, the Magpies and Tigers are the only other senior teams yet to record a victory two weeks into the season.

After being smashed by most sides in recent years, Woorndoo/Mortlake has held its own against Caramut and Moyston/Willaura.

Magpies’ coach Chris Hilet said his charges can’t turn up to Lake Bolac on Sunday expecting a win to just happen.

“They were competitive last year as well, but I guess just dropped off towards the end of games,” he said.

“For a good two and a half to three quarters they were able to mix it with most sides and I don’t think it will be any different this year, so we are going to have to come ready to play and switched on for a change this week.

“I will be looking for a lift in intensity around the footy and hopefully we can get the first win on the board.”

Onballers Jock Cameron, Michael Otto and ruckman Brad Keilar will be relied upon to win the ball out of the centre and give veteran goal kicker Danniel Smith the best chance inside the forward-50.

William Ranicar made a good start to the year in his first senior game last week and will be eager to continue that in round three.

An early season top-of-the-table clash will see first place Moyston/Willaura take on second place Lismore/Derrinallum.

The Pumas have one of the most potent forward lines in the league, with Aidan Bell and Lachie Hamilton starting the year in excellent touch.

The Demons will also need to be wary of James Dalkin and Aussie Hamilton, who have been good additions to the reigning premiers, while defender Simon Lockyer continues to be reliable.

SM&W Rovers will be keen to bounce back from last week’s disappointing showing against Hawkesdale/Macarthur.

There were still some positives to take away from the 29-point loss, including the performance of key defender Ben Nankervis, who was well supported by Brad Scott.

Coach Joe Carmody and assistant Jahn Knight also saw plenty of action, but the pair will be looking for more players to lift against Glenthompson/Dunkeld on Sunday.

Umpire Appointments

Glenthompson/Dunkeld v SM&W Rovers (at Dunkeld): Sonny Walton and Phil Forsyth

Wickliffe/ Lake Bolac v Woorndoo/Mortlake (at Lake Bolac): Paul Spriggs and Leo Mooney

Lismore/Derrinallum v Moyston/Willaura (at Derrinallum): Dave Reynolds and Tommy Cooper