Hillwood to host Longford in showdown

Coming off the bye, Nathan Lowe's Sharks lost top spot last week and are hungry to regain the minor premiership in the top-of-the-table showdown.

"Longford has been in really good form. Beau [Thorp] has got them playing the way he's wanted for a while and they are still a young group so we expect them to give us a real run at Hillwood," he said.

After a slow start last weekend, Beau Thorp's Tigers were able to overcome Bracknell.

"Hillwood are obviously the benchmark of the competition," he said.

"They have recruited well and they had a strong side last year and it will be good for us to see where we shape up."

The Sharks regain Zac Oldenhof for the clash as Longford go in unchanged.

An intriguing clash awaits at Youngtown Oval as SOUTH LAUNCESTON host George Town.

South have picked up two wins and another here could spice things up following a "much needed" win last week according to coach Aaron Viney.

"We had an inexperienced side last week but they did everything I asked of them which gives us full confidence heading into George Town," he said.

"We can't let the likes of O'Sign, Crane, Nankervis and Burt get away from us."

Aiming to follow up their best four-quarter performance of the season according to coach Allan O'Sign, George Town look to defeat South for the first time.

"If everyone brings their best effort and plays their role, we know we can play good footy and there's a fair bit on the line," he said.

For the first time this season, the Bulldogs have a clean bill of health but could regain Brad Keegan and Daniel Johnston as Lawrence O'Toole returns to add depth to the Saints' midfield.

SCOTTSDALE host Bracknell in a lower-ladder clash between two sides looking to kick start their seasons.

Facing two of the top sides back-to-back, Andrew Philpott was disappointed with his side's effort but promised bigger and better things.

"We've discussed a few things and are all on the same page," he said.

"We've brought in a new game plan, which'll take a couple of weeks but you'll see a better team this week."

Scottsdale coach Geoff Mohr shared Philpott's frustrations with his own side's most recent performance.

"We played as individuals, rather than as a team which is something we pride ourselves on. We certainly aren't a team of superstars so it was disappointing to play like that for Lee [Nichols'] 200^th," he said.

"Getting off to a good start is usually the key down there so we will look to do that then maintain scoreboard pressure."

Matt Lang will have a fitness test for the Redlegs as he looks to return with Kaden Bracken set to come back.

BRIDGENORTH look to further distance the top three from the rest of the pack as they face a fifth-placed and improving Deloraine outfit at Parrot Park.

With only George Town and three wins separating the two sides, a win for the home side would bust the gap wide open and give the top four a major opportunity.

Losing Josh Youd for the season with a broken shoulder, Parrots coach Brady Demeijer isn't taking the Kangaroos lightly.

"They've shown a lot of improvement, getting to within 10 points of Hillwood, and they've shown they can play some good footy," he said.

Under-18 star Jack de Wit replaces Youd as young Deloraine player Lucas Bakes may make way for another junior debutant.

Happy with their win last week, coach Brad Powe is looking for a repeat four-quarter performance.

"Bridgenorth are travelling very well and have recruited well. It's a good challenge going into the break but we play their ground well so it's not too daunting for us," he said.