Watching Middleton play, it's easy to forget he is still only a teenager.

A big-bodied midfielder at the heart of Edenhope-Apsley's engine room, Middleton contends against some of the toughest and most experienced players in the competition.

"People have told me that before, that they are surprised by how young I am," Middleton said. "But I suppose it's a good thing to hear when it comes to football."

The youngster has been in tremendous form as of late, getting named Edenhope-Apsley's best on ground in three of their last four matches.

Middleton, 19, said a big off-season helped him take the next step.

"I've got a bit bigger over the summer this year, put on some weight which has definitely helped," he said.

"Each week I think I'm getting better and better, getting more confident and taking the game on a bit more. It's a good feeling."

Middleton said it was pleasing to be hitting his stride after a tedious run with injury.

"I've always been a midfielder, but I was probably medium height and pretty skinny through my juniors," he said.

"I had a lot of growing problems and I was always injured as well. It wasn't until I was about 18 that I started to feel a bit better, it started to slow down and I got a good run at it.

"I've always been a bit of an endurance runner as well, so that is one of the perks of my game at the moment."

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The youngster will certainly be pivotal to Edenhope-Apsley's chances in round 14, as they take on league powerhouse Harrow-Balmoral.

"They have one of the best midfields in the competition, so we're going to have to have a good day in there," Middleton said.

The Southern Roos haven't tasted defeat since round eight 2018, but the Saints are perhaps their biggest challenge so far this season.

Edenhope-Apsley have been in terrific form, winning seven of their last eight matches, including a thumping victory against Kalkee at the weekend.

While Middleton said he knew it would be challenge, he hoped the Saints were up to the contest on Saturday.

"You have to have a pretty good day to beat them," Middleton said. "But I think anything is possible at this stage of the season.

"It will be a good test to see where we're at. They are clearly the top side in it at the moment, so it should be a good test for the boys."