THE only two undefeated sides in the Wimmera Football League will lock horns in a blockbuster clash on Saturday.
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Neither Minyip-Murtoa nor Horsham has tasted defeat in 2016, and both have emerged as competition front-runners after five impressive wins.
Burras coach Jaye Macumber said his side was looking forward to the contest at Murtoa Recreation Reserve.
“Absolutely we’re looking forward to it, it’s going to be a great challenge,” he said.
“Horsham has been in good form, so it’ll be a good test for us.”
Macumber said, due to key injuries in the senior side, he was expecting his younger players to thrive in their absence.
“We’ve got a lot of kids coming in this week, and we really need them to step up to the challenge,” he said.
“They’ve all got three or four games under their belt now, so we’ll need them to contribute to the performance.”
The Burras proved their credentials last week with a stirring come-from behind victory against Stawell Warriors.
Macumber’s side overturned a three-goal deficit at three-quarter time to record a 21-point victory.
Horsham goes into the blockbuster clash full of confidence, having defeated a determined Warrack Eagles side by 30-points in round five.
Coach Nick Pekin, who starred against the Eagles with four goals, said he expected the league leaders to provide a great challenge.
“They’re probably the favourites for the flag at the moment,” he said.
“A lot of the hype during pre-season was on them, so the pressure is probably more on them than it is on us.
“Hopefully our guys are up for the challenge.”
Pekin added that if his side could apply fierce pressure for four quarters, the Demons had every chance to defeat the high-flying Burras.
“It’s all about the pressure factor, and applying good pressure when they have the ball,” he said.
“If we can apply that kind of pressure for four quarters, we can challenge them.
“We haven’t really strung four quarters together this season, and that’s what will be required of us.
“Stawell came close to beating them last week, and a bit of wind came into the equation, so we know that teams can match up to them.”
The Demons will be without Alex Thomson on Saturday, as he recovers from a slight hamstring injury sustained against Warrack.
Horsham would do well to keep an eye on 2014 league best and fairest Kieran Delahunty, who starred on his return against the Warriors.
Macumber said his side would be wary of Horsham’s lethal front six, including Pekin and goal-sneak Matty Lloyd.
He also identified Simon Hobbs as one to watch.