Both sides sit two games and percentage outside the top five with just six games left to make a push for finals.

The Suns appear in better form, having won their past four compared to Perth’s four straight losses, but coach David Manktelow knows only his side’s best will be enough to secure the four points. 

“We’ve got to play at our top level,” he said.

“They’ve improved and got some good quality players… they beat us in round 1 so we owe them one.”

The Magpies were overrun in the third quarter against Scotch last weekend and need to improve in Josh Holton’s second game as coach.

“We’re wary of every team because our season’s on the line every week and we’re not playing the standard of footy we should be over four quarters,” Holton said.

LILYDALE and Evandale will finally do battle after a serious injury ended the two teams’ round 1 fixture after just five minutes.

Both 2017 clashes were won by three points or fewer, and both sides are coming off losses to St Pats.

“It’s been good to recharge the batteries,” Evandale boss James Storay said on his team's return from the bye.

“Both sides are going to be hoping to close the game out better then what they have done in their last round.”

Demons boss Colin Lockhart said his side’s maiden loss was characterised by “missed opportunities” and urged his forwards to lift. 

“All of our goals came from our midfield so we’re hoping our forward line works really hard this week - not only to take marks inside 50, but to keep the pressure on to keep the ball in there.”

Injured Country Eagles star Tom Chugg won’t risk a return, while Wil Lockhart will play his 50^th game for the Demons.

TAMAR CATS remain in search of a maiden win but will find things tough against the in-form Old Launcestonians.

Paul Beechey’s Blues have broken into the top five with four straight wins. 

“It’s a pretty tough road home for us,” Beechey said.

“We’ve got Perth, Evandale, St Pats and Lilydale so it’s a bit early to stamp ourselves as finals contenders.”

BRIDPORT will travel to Uni-Mowbray without suspended pair Clay Nettlefold and Andy Barron as the Seagulls look to break a seven-game losing streak. 

“We’re trying to build ourselves up  for a big back end of the season,” Howlett said.

ST PATS coach Alex Russell refused to call his side flag favourites after beating Lilydale last week and said his side was preparing for a better Old Scotch than the team that lost by 70 points in round 1.

“Scotch are a bit of a sleeper side – they’ve got a lot of quality players and on their day they can beat anyone so we won’t be taking them lightly,” Russell said.