Walpeup/Underbool and Woomelang/Lascelles will both be chasing their first win of the season when they face off this week.
The Roos will hope that forward Matt Brown and ruckman Brad Dabrowski will be available for the clash to add strength. However they will need more assistance from their depth players this week, to have any chance of beating a fresh Cats outfit.
They always get good value from Kane Munro, Matt Palmer and Shane Birss has slotted into the side seamlessly. However it will be their younger brigade who needs to step up to help match the class of the cats.
Woomelang/Lascelles will be disappointed they didn't get over the line in their last outing, missing out by just 3 points. They were in the game until the final siren and their performance against the reigning premiers will give them confidence against the winless Roos.
It will be a great match up in the midfield as Devin McFarlane and Jack Shanahan have started the season in form and will need to be closely watched. They relied on a shared load with their goal-kickers last game, but maybe looking for someone to step up and kick a bag this week to ensure they can get a score on the board to register a win.
There will be a change in format for the Ouyen United versus Southern Mallee Giants game this week as they look to showcase the junior football and netball in twilight matches. In the football the under 13's will play at 11:00am, Reserves at 12:00pm, Seniors at 2:00pm and the under 16's to follow.
While their will be plenty of focus on the junior games, the main game will also draw plenty of interest. The winner will draw 4 points clear to second spot on the ladder.
The Giants will lose the services will lose the services of Lucas Cook who held down centre half back in their previous game. This will be a key loss as Brad Vallance and Laurence Angwin will prove difficult match-ups. Vallance's mobility and strong, high marking strengths along with Angwin's height and strength were important in their previous win. The Giants will have to choose wisely in their match-ups for these two players.
Simon Cook will be a welcome inclusion as clearances and therefore forward drive will be important in this game. With both teams possessing fire power up forward it will be a question of who can get clean and precise ball forward the most.
Both teams have players who like to run and create which should make for an open free-flowing game. There is no doubt a close game will ensue.
By Dale Shannon