No other team has had a longer pre-season than Tocumwal.
A forfeit from their round one opponent, Yarroweyah, scuppered a highly-anticipated start to their Picola and District Football League season, before the club faced the bye in round two.
Bloods’ coach Kade Rowe said the squad was champing at the bit to finally get going on Friday afternoon.
“It’s a massive game for the us and the club, Berrigan gave us a touch-up last year,” he said.
“We’re really keen to get going, it’s been a long pre-season, after we started training in November, we’re keen to get out there again and put our best foot forward.”
As for the Saints, they’ll be eager to build on what was a pleasing round one performance.
Justin Hoggan and Tim Cooper’s charges started the game slowly against Picola United in the opener, entering the main break two points behind.
A whopping six-goals-to-one third quarter from the Saints blew United out of the water, before they fended off a late United charge in the final term to take the points.
With more or less a full squad at his disposal this weekend, Rowe said he was excited to see how his side stacked up against a competition heavyweight.
“I’m more than happy with the squad we’ve put together, we’ll have a full squad with maybe one or two boys injured,” he said.
“Jon-Ross Cardillo has had a huge pre-season, he and Jordy Lavis across half back will be really important for us this year.”
The other PDL fixture of the long weekend sees a new-look Rennie outfit take on Katamatite at Rennie Recreation Reserve.
Both sides have enjoyed winning starts to their seasons, setting the stage for a fascinating Easter clash.
Katamatite dismantled Jerilderie last weekend 18.23 (131) to 7.10 (52), while Rennie demolished an undermanned Mathoura in round two, 29.16 (190) to 4.3 (27).
Rennie president Matt Stephens told the Yarrawonga Chronicle he was pumped to welcome the Tigers to Rennie, with the club set to utilise its revamped floodlights.
“We had a $275,000 grant which we were able to complete last year and now we get the chance to play a quality opponent under them,” he said.
Tocumwal welcomes Berrigan on Good Friday, with the first bounce at 2.05pm. Rennie and Katamatite go head to head on Thursday night under lights at 7.25pm.