A 2016 grand final rematch looms in the early stages of the 2017 Horsham District league season, with the Southern Mallee Giants to host Harrow-Balmoral at Hopetoun on Saturday.
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Both sides come into this match with a perfect record, winning their respective opening two contests by considerable margins.
The Giants have lost only one quarter so far, while the Roos have had a clean sweep.
It will be the first real test for either side.
Expect the game to be won and lost in the midfield.
Players to keep an eye on will be the contest between two midfield dynamites – Giant Coleman Schache and the Roos’ Nick Pekin.
These two players could be the difference in what could be an important four points in just round three of the new season.
A star midfielder will be missing from the Roos line-up in Eric Guthrie.
It is suspected the ace will be missing until after the Interleague game against Colac had been played.
Giants forward Kain Robins kicked 13 majors against the Bombers in round two and coach Shaun Monohan said he hoped the gun forward could pick up from where he left off.
“We’re looking forward to the game,” he said.
“It will be a good contest.
“We will hope to give Kain a good supply this week and help him get the ball.”
Monohan is wary of the potency of the Roos’ midfield.
“Sam Brewer is someone we will look out for,” he said.
“He played well against us in the grand final and kicked a couple goals from the midfield.
“They have a good, even side.”
Roos coach Paul Cleaver welcomes the challenge.
“It will be a quality game,” he said.
“We haven’t really had the chance to see how good we are yet with two big wins.
“We’ll just focus on sticking to our team plan.”
Cleaver said both sides had an even spread of talent across the ground.
“I hope it is a close, fought-out affair,” he said.
“This game will be a big test for our forwards because the Giants have a very good backline.
“It will challenge our midfield, too.”
Cleaver said the side was taking a cautious approach with injured midfielder Guthrie.
“At this stage we don’t want to take any chances with him,” he said.
“We are looking for a great encounter on a big day of football in the league.”
Monohan will be wary of Pekin.
“I haven’t seen him play but you hear good things,” he said.
