It has been a difficult season for the two senior sides but both will be equally optimistic for this anticipated encounter. 

One side will have the chance to get one up on its counterpart and start the second half of the season with a victory. 

Tigers coach Josh Beddison said his side had been taking the season one week at a time. 

“We knew what to expect when we came up against Southern Mallee Giants,” he said. 

“We took a few things out of the game and I think we moved the ball well at times.” 

Beddison said his side had his own mini season in the next four weeks. 

“There are three games we think are very winnable for us,” he said. 

“I’m confident this week – we aren’t treating this game any different to any other game.” 

Cameron Ellis has played a big role in recent weeks being named best on ground for the previous three games. 

Beddison said the side had four players returning from injury. 

“It’s looking positive – Corey Mann is a possibility to return,” he said. 

Beddison said he hoped his side could stand up together and commemorate the club’s Ryan Margetts, who died last week. 

“A lot of us have struggled through it so I hope we can do everything on the footy field to remember him,” he said. 

Beddison understands the Lakers are in a similar spot to his squad. 

“We will go out there and focus on our 21 opposition,” he said. 

Lakers coach Jye Smith said despite the heavy loss the side experienced in round seven his team showed signs of a strong brand of football. 

“They starting playing well as a team,” he said. 

Smith said he was wary of Pimpinio and how hungry the opposition would be to gain a win on Saturday. 

“We are all looking forward to the challenge,” he said. 

“I am hoping we have a good game – I am hoping we can give them the respect.” 

Versatile Jake Hinton has flown somewhat under the radar this season and has played in the back-line, the midfield and the forward-line. 

Smith said brothers Sam and Tom Hutchins had also been playing good football. 

“We have had a lot of juniors stand up this year and this game will show how far they have come,” he said. 

“I’m looking forward to the match.”