IT is common knowledge SOUTH ROVERS and Dennington had the Warrnambool and District league's fiercest rivalry last season.
Both coaches believe it won't carry through to 2009.
"Dennington are a brand new side and (Shane) Swisher Bell is no longer with us," said Lions coach Brett Evans, referring to former Dennington playing coach Bell who was knocked out playing for Rovers almost a year ago. Evans rated Sunday's opponent highly.
"They're very good and probably the benchmark along with Kolora-Noorat," he said. "We're coming off a good result too. "The boys have been working on a game plan the last few weeks so hopefully that comes through." Lions forward Lucas Wilson will come into the side and will play alongside Frank Matthews. DENNINGTON coach Travis Thornton was excited about the clash. "They're a pretty successful club who always seem to have a good side, so they're always good to beat," he said. The Dogs' midfield will have some bark back with Jacob Rhodes, Simon Jenkins and Ben Parkinson returning. Shane Graham is also in for his first game of the season. Exclusions are Jade Moloney (knee), Tyler Keane (leg) and Garyjohn Sheppard (sore).
ALLANSFORD is yet to finalise its team as it is training tonight. Co-coach Tim Rantall expected co-coach Dallas Armitstead to return for the Cats' match against Russells Creek, along with defender Ben Ward and forward Bayden Yewers. "It's an important game for both clubs," Rantall said. "They're going all right and we're going all right. It's another building block for where we want to head."
RUSSELLS CREEK has made two changes, with Rick Lucas and Ty Ingham replacing Nathan Sobey (unavailable) and Leigh Doyle (hand). "Hopefully we improve on last week and then I'm sure we'll be competitive," coach Adam Main said.
NIRRANDA co-coach Paul Ryan was confident the Blues, who take on Timboon Demons, could string together two wins in a row. "They're obviously going to be hard to beat but I think we're a reasonable chance if we play well at our home ground," he said. "(Last week's win against Panmure) gives everyone plenty of confidence." Nirranda will bring in former North Warrnambool Eagles defender Troy Borton for Matthew Lines (omitted).
TIMBOON DEMONS has named an extended bench which includes Andrew Berry, Daniel Pender and Rob Bleumink. The trio were not in last week's side. After two losses in a row, MERRIVALE is desperate for a victory. "It's only early days but a win this week will give us back a bit of confidence," coach Luke Attrill said. Losing leader and ball-winner Shane Keane for the season due to a shoulder injury won't help its cause.
"He did it against Russells Creek in a contest," Attrill said. "It's a pretty big blow but it will give some kids an opportunity to step up." Trent Harman, who missed the Kangaroos encounter with an ankle injury, will replace Keane.
The Tigers take on OLD COLLEGIANS, which has also dropped its past two matches. The Warriors welcome in captain Jamie McKenzie, who is yet to play this season due to a hamstring injury. Other inclusions are Steve Fisher, Corey Brebner and Matthew Wright.
DEAKIN UNIVERSITY hosts Panmure at The Pond and is looking to bounce back after being belted by Allansford. Daniel Thirkell and Jimmy Meade will come in for Brenton Peake (omitted) and Peter O'Toole (quad).
PANMURE is also looking to return to the winner's circle after going down to a defiant Nirranda. "Everyone thought it was won and we lost it," coach Dave Conheady said. "Full credit to Nirranda." The Bulldogs, who have worked on mastering the simple things at training this week, are unchanged.
KOLORA-NOORAT will bring in ruckman Mark Shrubb and forward James Hicks for its clash against the bottom-ranked side. "We just want to try and continue the way we've been playing," Power coach Ben Kenna said. "We don't want to create any bad habits because people think that they can do what they want."
EAST WARRNAMBOOL has made at least two changes, with Justin Millet, Daniel Johnson and Rikki Stewart coming in. Kevin Moloney and Chad Moon are both going back to under 17s. Coach Joey Chatfield said injuries had kept the Bombers from fielding a full-strength side. The scoreboard indicates that we've been getting flogged but injuries have made it hard for us," he said. "We're staying positive on the field though."
