"He's played twice up forward in his career and kicked seven in a quarter and 12 last week so it's a handy weapon to have," Russell said.

St Pats bring in four key players as East Coast return from the bye with coach Ned Hyland saying there is a "good feeling" after the break.

"It's going to be a big game. We aren't quite at full strength and they are hard to beat at home," he said.

EVANDALE are out to conquer Lilydale as the Demons celebrate their 2009 NEFU premiership three-peat.

Eagles coach James Storay is still searching for his four-quarter effort but is excited at the task ahead.

"It's pretty obvious they are the best side in the competition so it'll be massive for us to knock them off," he said.

Facing dilemmas with Andrew McLean, Zac Barwick and Trent Griggs to return, Lilydale coach Colin Lockhart stressed the importance.

"A win will set us up for the rest of the year and they need it to keep in touch with the top three," he said

OLD LAUNCESTONIANS coach Paul Beechey classified the last two weeks as a "wake-up call" as they face Meander Valley.

"It's going to be tough, they've been hot and had weeks off so they'll be chomping at the bit and it's a big test for us that we can't afford to lose," he said.

Meander Valley played its last game three weeks ago and coach Damian Rhind said that his group is keen to get out there.

"We are confident as we were playing well before the break. Old Ls have had a good first half and it's going to be them and Bridport we are fighting with for that last spot but we are coming from a long way back."

Showing character, BRIDPORT are treating every game as a final according to coach Adam Howlett as they face Old Scotch.

"The equation is pretty simple for us to make finals and we need to treat every game as a mini one and keep winning," Howlett said.

Aaron Dusautoy is a chance to return for the Seagulls as Alec Fotheringham and Christian Mulder will miss for Scotch.

Old Scotch coach Shaun Muller was relieved his eight changes worked with many of their strong performers coming from those.

"At home we could cause an upset if we win the battle of the midfields," he said.

Two sides towards the bottom half of the NTFA ladder, PERTH and Uni-Mowbray are both looking to get a win under their belts in a key match-up for them.

Perth coach Josh Holton said his boys lacked effort last week and will need to bring that back into their game against the Eagles.

"Hopefully we can get back to basics, put together a four-quarter performance and a strong effort," he said.

Uni coach Alan Perrin was impressed with his side's performance against St Pats and although they were outclassed, improved on their early season showing.

"Perth will be a really good challenge and it's certainly a challenge we need to overcome," he said.