The Mallee Football League heads into Round 3 this week, and after a week off with the Easter break, players will be fresh for the impending contests. Three teams have the bye this week, meaning only two matches will go ahead this round.

An intriguing battle is looming at Rainbow, as Jeparit-Rainbow host Ouyen United and look to record their maiden win for the season.

Jeparit-Rainbow were able to get off to a terrific start against a strong Sea Lake-Nandaly side in their first match and also won the final quarter, but were let down by a poor performance in the second and third terms.

The Lakers will need another good start on Saturday, as Ouyen are coming off a resounding victory in their last game, and will be looking to make it two in a row.

Brodie Grant showed the he can match it with the best in this league and will need to be in good form again this Saturday for the Lakers, while Luke Werner and Heath Clugston are always solid contributors.

Ouyen's young side have showed that they have a lot of run and are capable of finding multiple avenues to goal, and they will need to continue this to counter the attacking style of the Lakers.

Ben Gregg and Marc Hahnel have been in excellent form so far this year for the Demons, and will no doubt be enjoying the current form of Lawrence Angwin.

The only other match of the round pits Woomelang-Lascelles against Hopetoun at Woomelang.

Hopetoun are coming off a two week bye, and will keen to make amends for a big round one loss. Simon Cook will need to hold down the backline for the Devils and Liam Price will have to get the midfield firing.

Woomelang-Lascelles will be wanting to get back on the winner's circle after letting Beulah back into the contest and letting the game slip. The Cats have class on every line again this season, and will be relying on their experience to hold off the new look Hopetoun side.

Anthony Foott has been leading the way down back and has been well supported with run and carry from the midfield. At the other end of the ground, Corey Kelly will be difficult to stop with his speed, and Jayden Lonergan with his height.

BY Daniel Huttig