Describing their upcoming opponents as "streaks ahead of the competition", ST PATS coach Alex Russell certainly has no qualms as to how big the Lilydale challenge is that awaits them.
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"It'll be good to see where we are at with our best effort. We kind of lowered our colours a bit on Anzac Day so to see what we can do against high quality opposition is exciting," Russell said.
The Saints regain Jono Lawrence and Tim Seen for the top-of-the-table clash in which the Demons look to extend their three-game lead.
Sam Lockett, Andrew McLean, Zac Barwick, Bailey Hawes and Jesse Tuckerman all return as Colin Lockhart is confident in his side's ability.
"We are playing good footy at the moment and we will have six definite inclusions. We are looking forward to a good game. We've lowered our colours the last few times they've come out here so I'm excited for the contested battle," Lockhart said.
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With last week's win drawing BRIDPORT equal on points with fifth place, coach Adam Howlett isn't getting too far ahead of himself as they face a "danger game" in Meander Valley.
"Obviously we know where we are at now and it's looking like coming down to the last game so we have to keep winning," he said.
"Meander haven't been far off the mark, obviously they've lost Dylan Riley so that will be handy for us but it is a danger game and we will be taking it as such."
Ready to thicken the plot of the league with a potential win on Saturday, Meander Valley see Jesse Warren and Matt Nicholson return to their side as coach Damian Rhind wants to see a similar effort to last week.
"I can't question their effort in tough conditions so if we can get a repeat effort, on top of the few returning to bolster our stocks, it should be a good one," he said.
"They are obviously in good form after Evandale and have a strong case for finals."
Another side facing a dangerous prospect this week, OLD LAUNCESTONIANS face Perth at the Magpies' home ground with Blues coach Paul Beechey searching for 100 per cent consistency from his group.
"Perth are hard to beat at home so we'll have to be on top of our game, get a good start and prepare for the match as usual," he said.
After their Lilydale encounter in tough conditions, Beechey was pleased with their clean bill of health with several players on the precipice of return.
Eighth-placed Perth come into the clash off the back of an 141-point defeat at the hands of East Coast with coach Josh Holton kicking four of the side's six majors in the heavy loss.
The four-quarter effort continues to be an elusive goal for James Storay's EVANDALE following a tight loss that tightens the end-of-season pressure on his group as they prepare for Old Scotch.
"It was obviously a disappointing loss in tough conditions. We had a lot of the play with a lot of inside 50s but couldn't capitalise," he said.
The Eagles potentially welcome back five key names to the nest following the Bridport loss with Luke Niejalke, Jake Goodyer, Jack Maher, Kieran Carlton and Johnnie French all chances to return.
Old Scotch coach Shaun Muller is looking for a similar four-quarter goal from his players in order to successfully celebrate Jonty Swallow's 100th game.
"If we play to our ability, we should be about to make a good account for ourselves and with Jonty's 100, there's a bit to play for so hopefully we can catch Evandale off guard a bit," Muller said.
A first-time match-up for 2019 sees UNI-MOWBRAY host East Coast with both sides looking to get vastly different things out of the clash.
The Eagles' last match was the first time they've kicked 10 goals this season and coach Alan Perrin was happy for his side to see what they are capable of.
"We know the level of quality they [East Coast] bring and aim to be competitive then hopefully we can be with them when the whip starts cracking," he said.
East Coast have been working on their off-field culture over the past few weeks with Ned Hyland aiming to see that continue.
"We went back to the drawing board about our culture and there's a good feeling off-field so it was good to see that carry on-field. This weekend is about us and focusing on what we are about," he said.
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