Neutral fans will be hoping for a closer contest than the first two installments, after Stawell won the inaugural match by 11 goals and Ararat won by a similar margin last year. Ararat are coming off the back of a stirring round one victory while Stawell are trying to bounce back from a loss.

AFL Wimmera Mallee's Stephen McQueen said the Good Friday matches had become a real highlight on the calendar.

"This is the third year of the good Friday matches, and if the first two are anything to go by, the crowds have been exceptional for a home and away match," McQueen said.

"We probably equate them to a preliminary final match with the amount of supporters we get through the gate."