NTFA Division One: Table-top clash leads play

"This is a big game for us as they'll be out to get one back on us after the result earlier in the year," he said.

"Games between us are normally pretty hot and we are mentally ready for the challenge as we are embracing the target that we've put on our backs this year."

East Coast's Ned Hyland was pleased with the Swans' effort after a slow start last week, "not looking back" when they hit the front as they look set to regain two players for the ladder-leading clash.

"Lilydale are as tough as it gets, especially up there. It's usually a great game up there and we'll give it our best," Hyland said.

ELSEWHERE IN SPORT

Following their two-point heart-stopper in round seven, MEANDER VALLEY coach Damien Rhind is confident his side has what it takes to push St Pats once again following a strong performance last week.

"Our first quarter last week was probably the best football we've played all year and it was good to finally see it come to fruition," he said.

"They are sitting up the top and we're near the bottom but that means nothing coming into it. They were lucky to beat us by a couple of points last time and now we've got to do it again on their home deck.

St Pats coach Alex Russell said last week's game was a scrappy contest and "wouldn't have been great to watch but four points is more important" heading into a dangerous game.

"They had considerably more scoring shots against us last time and the ladder isn't a true indicator for them - they've lost a few tight ones - so we'll prepare as normal for a quality side," he said.

BRIDPORT coach Adam Howlett knows his side just needs to keep picking up the four points as they host Uni-Mowbray on Saturday.

Achieving that goal against Old Scotch last week, Howlett felt his side's tackling pressure and skills slipped but was pleased to stay on top.

"It's the same old thing - we've just got to keep winning," he said.

"We can't take anything for granted and hopefully we can win and win well."

Cale Burke and Joseph Krushka returned last week from injury but will sit this week out as Uni regain captain Hayden Chrzanowski at the expense of Jethro Hurle with coach Alan Perrin complimenting his side's effort.

"Our blokes didn't spit the dummy and walk away when they could have," he said.

"We'll be stronger than last week and it seems that Bridport have worked their way into being competitors and I guess we'll see how serious they are on Saturday."

With captain Luke Johnston and Ezra Jackson succumbing to injury this week and adding to their growing list, OLD LAUNCESTONIANS coach Paul Beechey has rights to be feeling sorry for himself but remains upbeat heading into the Blues' Old Scotch clash.

"We are still in that finals race. This is a winnable game and it becomes a must-win game so that is how we are treating it," he said.

In losing Johnston and Jackson, light could be at the end of the tunnel with skilled pair Field Reeves and George McAdam potential inclusions for the Blues as they look to get back towards a healthy list.

"You can't start matches of football at 3 o'clock" was the message from the Old Scotch camp following last week's win with Shaun Muller impressed with the second-half performance despite the sluggish start.

"After half time, we basically leveled it but the game was gone," he said.

"A four-quarter performance is the focus this week. If we acquit ourselves well and make the game a competitive one, anything can happen,"

Co-captain Jonty Swallow returns as Ben Vote makes way.

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