Two of the competition's most-hyped outfits go head-to-head this week as Old Scotch hosts St Pats.
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The Thistles sit atop the division one ladder, having won all three of their match-ups but coach Brayley Coombes isn't shying away from how big this challenge is.
"They've been a formidable force in our competition for a long time now so we just need to make sure that we bring our A-game and it should be a ripping contest," he said.
Old Scotch will bring in Ryan Worn, Steve Blizzard and Tim Casey for his first game back from WA, while Ryan Choveaux, Elliott Barnes and Jye Balym are all available for St Pats, with tough decisions to be made.
Acknowledging their opponents' improvement, Saints coach Jake Lowe is looking to counterattack with aggressive football.
"We are going to come in and play a really physical and accountable game, make sure they can't get any run and spread going and when we get the footy we are looking after the football," he said.
ELSEWHERE IN SPORT
Jay Schulz will play his second game for Old Launcestonians this week, returning for the side's Meander Valley clash at home.
Handed eight unavailabilities last week, Blues coach Laine Cleaver regains at least half and wants consistency.
"We needed to get better ball movement and improve our skills from the game against Scotch, so we were able to do that," he said.
"We got the ball into our forward line plenty of times, had good run off half-back, so the signs are looking good, we just need to get some continuity into our game."
Meander Valley copped a heavy loss at the hands of Scotch last week, conceding more than 100 points in the last three quarters with coach Damien Rhind far from impressed.
"The goals are to look like we are playing our game plan and to put more pressure on the opposition," he said.
"They've got some good players across their team and they probably would have been disappointed with their start against Old Scotch, so I'm sure they will come out pretty fired up."
After a respectable start last week, Evandale is hoping for a prolonged effort this week as the Eagles take on reigning premiers Lilydale.
Coach Sam Bouwman said his side took learnings from the loss, but the standard rises again.
"We just want to go in and make a challenge, it's the biggest challenge in the comp so we are just looking forward to get another read [on where we are at]," he said.
The Demons lose Trent Griggs and Thane Bardenhagen through injury after being ravaged against Bridport in their 100-year celebrations but Colin Lockhart believes those coming in, including Beau Tuthill and Kurtis Tuck, can play their role.
"We've got a few in doubt this week but we believe we've done the right thing over the last three years to build our depth so we've got players than can come in," he said.
"We've had some senior premiership players playing in the twos in the last two weeks."
Bridport welcomes former Brisbane and West Coast player Brent Staker into its line-up as the Seagulls face East Coast as home.
Staker comes in as part of the club's sportsman's night, featuring Simon Black, Luke Hodge and Adrian Fletcher, and is one of several changes.
"It's a challenge for those guys that are going to step up and obviously we face another quality side that we think are going to be definitely top three."
East Coast coach Gene Savage was happy with his side last week and isn't shying away from the challenge ahead as Majak Miar debuts.
"We always look forward to the challenge of playing one of our archenemies on their home ground," he said.
"There's a bit of history between the two sides going back to the Union days, so I don't think anything will change."
Pleased with his team's pressure and effort early last week, Perth coach Danny Bennett isn't taking anything for granted this week against UTAS.
While both sides are gunning for their first wins, the Magpies will be bolstered by Ben Elmer and Kalyn Eady.
"It's a good opportunity for us this week," Bennett said.
"We've got to go in with 100 per cent effort and pressure and apply that for longer periods of the game and hopefully if we do that, we can come away with the win.
"But certainly there's no easy wins this year and UTAS look like they've taken it to a couple of teams already."
UTAS frustrated St Pats early doors in last week's contest and will be eager to put the same pressure on Perth as the two aim to jump off the bottom rungs of the ladder.
Chris Smith has started off with a bang for the Lions, who debuted their new strip this year, named best on ground in both matches and kicking two goals in the first.