Navarre Grasshoppers are expecting to have their toughest game in recent weeks when they take on Newstead in the Maryborough Castlemaine District Football League.
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Navarre will go into the match as favourites due to their winning form, but captain Louis Hannett isn't predicting it to be easy.
"Our boys are looking forward to the challenge," Hannett said.
Newstead, despite losing to Natte Bealiba, have had a perfect start to the year and along with Lexton have made themselves serious contenders.
Hannett, after looking over the teams, considers Newstead's line up to be similar to what they were when they defeated Navarre in the first round of finals last year.
"They were too good for us last time we met," Hannett said.
"So we are really hoping we can turn that around. Hopefully we get there."
After being heavily struck with injury over the last month and relying on juniors to play good football, things are starting to look up again.
"I should be almost right to go and Brent Flood played last week," Hannett said.
"Floody pulled up really well so he will be fine."
Luke Hendy is one player who will not play in Sunday's blockbuster, but shouldn't be too far away after suffering knee soreness.
Billy Parry is still a couple of weeks off returning to training with his broken wrist, but if Navarre can keep their winning streak alive this week there will be some players to return.
Hannett didn't seem phased about their current injury woes as long as the players who are out there do their bit.
"It comes back to a 22 man effort," Hannett said.
Judging by how they played last time they met, Hannett is assuming that it will be a physical match.
"They are a physical side, or at least they were last time," Hannett said.
"That might have been because of finals, but it will be tough. Everyone will want to get the upper hand early."
One player Navarre will have to pay close attention to is Mark Ramsey.
From Ramsey's seven matches he has kicked 41 goals to be one of the leading forwards of the competition.
Bryce Tickner is expected to get the job on Ramsey.
Navarre have their own power forward in Ash Driscoll, who will be looking to extend his lead in the goal kicking race.
The game is scheduled to start at 2.35pm on Sunday.
