The top three in the league table has seen a lot of movement in the past four weeks, with the Southern Roos, Kalkee and Jeparit-Rainbow equal on 32 points. The Southern Roos lead the way by percentage. 

The Saints make up the top four and coach Chris Oliver said this is the first time the two teams have been so evenly matched. 

“There has always been a healthy rivalry between our teams, it always pulls big crowds and has a great atmosphere,” he said. 

Oliver said in the past when the two teams had met, he didn’t think the Saints players had given their all, he expected them to fight to the end. 

“I am expecting them to come out hard at it, like they always do, but I am expecting our boys to match them this time,” he said.

Oliver said winning contested possession of the ball will be a crucial point in the game.

“If it’s a bit of a wet day. that will make things very hard, that might come down to who wants it more but if we get a dry day it will all be about ball use and how clean we can be,” he said.

Oliver said the Saints midfield will need to stand up collectively to stop the force that is the Southern Roos midfield. 

“Apart from that I don’t think we need any individual standouts. That’s probably been the best part of our game this year is we don’t have individuals doing all the work,” he said. 

Southern Roos coach Nick Pekin said “it’s always good to see your team on the top of the table” but he was aware the Saints are in some form. 

“They will be as fresh as a daisy. They’ve had a fortnight’s spell and I think they will be looking at jumping out of the blocks and keep their winning form alive as well,” he said. 

“We’re expecting a really physical contest.” 

Pekin said it was always good to come up against the Saints. 

“I think it will be fairly hotly contested footy, which is what we have been training for, pressure and accountability across the board,” he said. 

“We need to continue to be accountable as a midfield group. We haven’t yet hit our straps in the midfield criteria, that’s one thing I’ll be looking to aim for and nullify our opposition.” 

Pekin said he has full faith in his back line and his forward line. 

Edward Ferguson and James Staude could return to the Southern Roos line-up after missing the Rupanyup clash in round nine.