Injury-struck teams Great Western and Wickliffe-Lake Bolac will face off in one of the most anticipated Mininera league games of the round.
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Both sides have been decimated by injury in the first five rounds of the season, but the loss of key players has not hurt their standing on the ladder.
The Magpies have been the form side of the competition, winning all five of their games to remain the only undefeated side. The Lions started off strongly but have faltered in their last two outings.
Great Western coach Will Bell said last weekend’s break was well timed for his team.
“It is a good chance to freshen up,” he said.
“We trained hard last week and we are pretty lucky we get back key players Aidan Marr and Danny Grellet for this weekend.”
Despite two inclusions the Lions lose key defender Justin Thomas for six weeks with a dislocated shoulder.
The Magpies are not without their own injury woes, missing multiple players due to injury and unavailability this weekend.
Wickliffe-Lake Bolac coach said he is expecting a tough contest this weekend.
“Great Western has been quite impressive so far,” he said.
“With a few guys missing it gives other guys an opportunity to play seniors.
“Our depth is a lot better than in previous years which is a real positive.”
Bell said his side is excited about the opportunity to play “the best team in the league”.
“I thought they were the best last year and they are again this year,” he said.
“We will have our hands full but we are looking forward to it.
“There is a lot of belief among the group that we can take it up to anyone.”
Bell said playing on the smaller ground of Great Western could work in his team’s favour.
“Playing more games on the smaller ground is a bit of an advantage. We love playing at in front of our crowd.”
