EAST COAST host Old Launcestonians in a dangerous game for the home side as the Blues took out the fixture last season.

The clash pits second against fourth as East Coast coach Ned Hyland says his side are just off full strength but ready to give the back half of the season their best shot having responded well.

"Our list isn't where we are wanting to be with injury and unavailabilities but these lead-up games have been good to hit form heading into harder games for the back end of the season," he said.

Blues coach Paul Beechey was pleased with last week's win but focused on his side's missed opportunities as they piled on 18.29.

"They've got a good even side across the board and a really good engine room so we will need to bring an energy and work rate to match theirs," Beechey said.

ELSEWHERE IN SPORT

Third-placed St PATS come off the bye and a tough loss against Lilydale with coach Alex Russell shaping up for a major contest against Evandale, who sit in fifth.

"Every time we play Evandale, it's good fun. There's a competitive rivalry as such between us two and neither like to lose so it's huge for the context of the season," he said.

Andrew Scolyer plays his 200^th as Jake Laskey returns to be a dangerous threat with Eagles coach James Storay echoing Russell's thoughts.

"We are really happy with our first-half performance and looking to sustain that across the whole game," he said.

"This is a massive challenge it can either set us up for a top five or leave it to chance on the last roster game so we are looking to meet it head on with what's at stake."

With the Eagles' tussle a chance to grab fifth position, BRIDPORT coach Adam Howlett isn't taking anything for granted as his side firm up for a Perth clash.

"They pushed Lilydale for three quarters last week so we do see this as a danger game and aren't taking anything for granted. We've got to go and get the job done."

With hamstrung pair Cale Burke and Joseph Krushka still out of action, Howlett anticipates the pair will return in the coming weeks.

The Mapgies gave undefeated Lilydale a minor scare last week before the Demons showed their class in the last.

A six-goal third term from Josh Holton's side had them within 16 points at three-quarter time as the 3-10 Magpies will look to test their skill against Bridport in their first meeting of the season.

With a growing pack on the Demons' tail, LILYDALE coach Colin Lockhart is all about keeping his players hungry as they aim to remain undefeated against Uni-Mowbray.

"Everyone is coming at us so we have to keep our group upbeat and hungry. Not just throughout every game but at every contest as well," he said.

Patrick Sulzberger comes in with Jesse Tuckerman and Bailey Hawes missing as Uni captain Hayden Chrzanowski looks set to miss this week with Riley Durrant a possible inclusion.

Alan Perrin was impressed with his side last week and is under no illusions to the Lilydale test that awaits.

"They are certain premiership contenders who gave us a touch-up out there so hopefully we can perform a bit better on our home turf. We've put in the work in the last couple of weeks to do so," Perrin said.

Getting off to a good start is crucial for MEANDER VALLEY this weekend as they take on Old Scotch.

Coach Damien Rhind labelled it "an issue to address" after a poor opening half against Evandale.

"We hope to make a good start and continue to persist with the way we want to play. It's a significant change from last year to this year for the boys and we are on the improvement," he said.

With last week's East Coast clash a "step towards where we want to be", Shaun Muller is hoping his Old Scotch boys continue their form at their home deck.

"This is a great opportunity against a club that obviously lost a player of TSL standard which I feel brings them back into the pack of chargers for that top five," Muller said.

Scotch will feature at least 4-5 changes including Hayman Hookway and Ed Hogarth coming in.

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