With construction of the Saints change rooms taking longer than expected, the side will call Horsham City Oval home for the weekend’s clash.

Last time the two sides met in round one, the Burras easily accounted for the reigning premiers, winning by 82 points. 

However, Saints have been improving throughout the season, with wins from the last three games. 

Burras coach Jaye Macumber was optimistic about the tie, but said it would be no a walk in the park. 

“We are coming off a win that was quite a close game, which the scoreline didn’t reflect,” he said. 

“It was one of those games that the players were looking forward to the interleague break.” 

The club had its first training session back from the break in Minyip on Tuesday. 

Macumber said that his side looked fresh ahead of the tie. 

“The break gave some of the players the chance to rest up,” he said. 

“I could see the players are now mentally focused and we are in good physical shape.” 

Among the form players for the Burras are Jae McGrath, a consistent goal scorer for the outfit, while ruckman Warwick Stone has also been in good touch.

Horsham Saints coach Shayne Breuer said his charges were looking forward to the match-up. 

“It will give us a chance to see where the team is at,” he said. 

“I can still see there is improvement needed, but it is a young squad so we have time.” 

Breuer said he hoped the game was more competitive than the last time the two sides met.

“Minyip-Murtoa are a fantastic side, but we have been improving all year,” he said. 

“We just need the full squad to contribute in their positions and that will make it a good game.” 

The Saints boast a relatively young squad. The club had 10 players selected in last week’s interleague fixtures with five representing the Wimmera under 18s side. 

There was only one casualty for Saints from the interleague games, with Oliver Timms injuring his ankle and suffering ligament damage. 

Another four Saints were nursing some minor niggles but are likely to play at the weekend. 

Breuer said the team had been working on maintaining possession. 

“In our first game against Minyip-Murtoa we turned the ball over a lot,” he said.