All eyes will be on Waaia Recreation Reserve on Saturday afternoon, with second-placed Waaia hosting third-placed Katamatite in round nine Picola and District Football League action.
It has been an intriguing start to the season for both sides, with Waaia interrupted by weeks off and Katamatite suffering an 89-point loss to Tungamah.
This weekend’s game will be no less enthralling, with both sides looking to send a message regarding finals contention.
Coming off an impressive 5.5 (35) to 21.13 (139) win over the Deni Rovers, Waaia will certainly be up and about, and with a number of players back, Bombers coach Mark Meyland was optimistic about the side’s chances.
“We’re well and truly ready for it now,” Meyland said.
“We’ve got a couple of guys that missed last week with COVID-19 and a couple of injured players that we should get back now so that should help the cause as well.
“We’re just looking forward to taking them on, we know how good of a side they are and it gives us an opportunity to separate ourselves from the pack a little bit.”
Meyland said the Bombers would be wary of the Tigers with the visiting side strong at both ends of the field.
He said after an interrupted start to the year, the side was looking forward to more consistency in the fixture.
“It’s always a physical game against them, if we do everything right and play the way we’ve been playing of late we should be in with a good chance,” Meyland said.
“I think everyone is looking forward to a bit of consistency now, the guys were getting a little bit frustrated, week-on week-off, to be honest.
“It’s a good opportunity now to get into the real stuff, we’ve got a pretty tough road ahead I think the next few weeks and it gives us an opportunity to see where we stand.”
With increased availability Meyland may face some selection headaches for Saturday’s game, with the mentor saying everyone had played their role in recent weeks.
Some names that are sure to be in the team on the weekend are Ash Holland and Jesse Trower, while Connor Brown, who has kicked seven goals in each of his last two games, will be dangerous once again.
For Katamatite, the side will be hungry to prove it is a true premiership contender.
The Tigers, who beat Mathoura by 172 points last week, were humbled by ladder-leading Tungamah two weeks ago, putting increased pressure on this weekend’s clash.
Luke Riordan will be one to watch in yellow-and-black, coming off an eight-goal haul, while Sam Wright and Sam Poole are consistently dangerous.
Saturday’s game will get under way at 2.05pm at the Waaia Recreation Reserve.
In other round nine games, Tocumwal will welcome the ladder-leading Tungamah.
Strathmerton will be looking to continue its good run of form when it hosts Picola United.
Blighty will travel to Katandra, Katunga will host Mathoura, while Rennie and Jerilderie will do battle in Rennie.
Berrigan and Deni Rovers will have a week off.