Harrow-Balmoral is coming off a thumping win against Pimpinio, and Lakers coach Jye Smith said his young side was looking forward to the challenge.

“We are feeling pretty good about it and we are super keen going into round two,” he said.

“We have a young list and they are out to improve themselves. They aren’t thinking too much ahead and are focused on their own game.

“We have a tough start with the Storm and now Harrow-Balmoral. It might not look the best on paper, but for us the year is going to get easier.”

Smith said he was happy with how his side performed in the first half against Jeparit-Rainbow last week, and hoped for more against the Southern Roos.

“Last week we had a good first half and it showed on the scoreboard – we were only down by about five goals,” he said.

“Even though we lost by so much, I can take a lot of positives by it. If we didn’t have so many get injured, it would have been a different scoreline.”

Taylors Lake was hit by injuries towards the end of last week’s game, with Smith hoping his players can play out a full game this week.

“The boys will manage their injuries and no player in the league will be playing every game fully fit,” Smith said.

“They should be right for Saturday.

“Most sides struggled with cramping after round one.”