The pair have three wins apiece but the Parrots have an extra loss with coach Phil Lethborg not shying away from South's strength.

"Obviously they are a very good side and are back to their premiership sort of list, have very good depth and are well coached, so it will be a challenge," he said.

"But we like a challenge and are looking to match it with them."

South swap one young star for another as Sam Lucas replaces Thomas Beaumont for his first game of the season, a game that coach Anthony Taylor isn't taking lightly.

ELSEWHERE IN SPORT

"With the exception of round one against Longford, they've been right in the games that they haven't won," he said.

"We're certainly very wary of them and we know that we have to play very well to come away with the points."

The side in fifth, Scottsdale, host another night game but it will be ladder-leaders Longford making the North-East journey.

The Magpies' goalkicking stocks have been bolstered by Kyle Lanham, who has booted 22 goals this year and provided a strong energy and voice.

"I've played with him beforehand and he's improved on both those things and taken a leadership role where he didn't previously," assistant coach Lochie Young said.

"We are looking to really build and challenge ourselves against these top teams, so we are looking forward to [this weekend]."

Longford coach Beau Thorp was pleased to throw Will Dakin forward in his debut last week and welcomes Launceston returnee Michael Larby back into the seniors on Saturday.

Although his side sits atop the rest, the Tigers leader is well aware of the dangers of Scottsdale.

"We know they will be a solid contest there, they've got a really strong side and obviously they knocked off South Launnie in another night game," he said.

Second-placed Bracknell got back on to the winners' list last weekend and will want to stay there against Hillwood at Shark Park.

Young gun Ben Smith will debut for the Redlegs with Corry Goodluck not taking Hillwood lightly.

"Obviously Hillwood are looking to up the ante a bit and get a few wins on the board so if we take them lightly, it could turn into a bit of a fight," Goodluck said.

"We'll be looking to head down there, knuckle down and bring the game we brought on the weekend."

Jake Pearce's Sharks only had five players over the age of 21 last weekend but he was proud of their resilience and knows this week is another challenge.

"We are going to be backs against the wall, which isn't a bad thing, it teaches the boys that it isn't going always going to be easy sailing," he said.

"They've got some good players but ... I think we've got to worry about the internal stuff to start with and get those processes right."

Deloraine hosts George Town with coach Lochy Dornauf pleased with his young players' output following injuries to key players.

"James Carpenter and John Henry Elmer were our two best players on the weekend and both of them are under the age of 20 with less than 50 senior games, so we are very excited about where the football club is heading," he said.

Dornauf said he respects the embattled Saints, something that certainly goes both ways, with George Town assistant Anthony Axton crediting Deloraine's rise.

"It doesn't get any easier for us but one thing we can take from Deloraine, they were in the same boat as we are now three years ago, so if there's a blueprint, they are probably it," he said.

"It'll be a good learning experience to see where they are now and it gives our blokes a good eye on the future.

"If you get a good coach like Lochy Dornauf or something like that, it can turn around pretty quick."

Do you know someone who is contributing to Northern Tasmanian sport, whether through participating or assisting?

The Examiner's Junior Sports Awards, sponsored by Woolworths, provide acknowledgement of accomplishments by players, coaches, volunteers, teams and clubs across the region.

Nominations are open from Wednesday, April 14, and will close at midnight on October 4.

Entries must include a photograph of the entrant.