Etwell Park, will this week play host to the match of the round as the reigning Allied Pickford's Cup premiers the Eastern Swans go head to head with the Bakers Creek Tigers.
The Eastern Swans are in unfamiliar territory in Round 3, as they enter a new week coming off a loss. Something that hasn't happened since September 6, 2014.
However, the same could be said about the Tigers, who are also in unusual ground, coming off a round 2 victory against the Magpies.
Both sides will play in memory of former Swan Blake Bailey, playing for the Blake Bailey Shield.
New player/coach, Matt West continued to be a focal point up forward, booting another 4-majors to sit atop the Allied Pickford's Cup goal-kicking ladder. Veteran Swan, Ivan Walker was the Swans best in their loss and will be looking to the 300+ gamer to again give them leadership across half-back.
Terry Bailey and Sam Lyons were also a couple of the Swans best in Round 2.
The Eastern Swans will be looking to their young-stars in Braden DeAngelis, Jayde Mellross, Steve Quarrell and Darcy Mealy to run riot on the wide, open spaces of Etwell Park.
For Bakers Creek, they are coming off a hard-fought 6-point win over the Magpies and welcome back former Box Hill Hawk player and Xavier College coach Patrick Sowersby who will give them more structure off-field along with young-guns Joshua Gardner and Lachlan Clarke.
Both sides were slow-starters last week and whichever side can come out of the blocks roaring, will give themselves the best opportunity to record the four points, before a competition bye over the Anzac long weekend.
Bakers Creek Tigers Vs. Eastern Swans @ 2:45pm - Etwell Park, Bakers Creek
In another mouth-watering match up, a top of the table clash, which is very unlucky to take the status of the match of the round, as the Moranbah Bulldogs and Whitsunday Sea Eagles clash.
The Sea Eagles will travel 5 hours to go head to head with the Bulldogs, the longest trip in the AFL Mackay fixture. Whitsunday are coming off a tough 3-point victory against the Swans, where they had less scoring shots but did enough to keep their undefeated start to the season in-tact.
For Moranbah, they will be fresh after an early season bye and this will be an interesting match up to see where the Bulldogs rank amongst the competition.
Players to watch for; Whitsunday > Trevor Ritchie, Mitchell Brockley and Nicholas Roach. Moranbah > Aaron Thompson, Blair Hill and Dale McIntyre
Moranbah Bulldogs Vs. Whitsunday Sea Eagles @ 2:45pm - Stevenson Park, Moranbah
In the weekend's final match, it will be a re-match of last years Elimination Final when the Mackay Magpies take on the North Mackay Saints at the Magpies Sports Park.
Both sides are yet to kick-start their 2016 campaigns officially and will be looking to get the four premiership points and get on track. The Magpies are coming off a scrappy loss, as the Saints were outclassed by the Mackay City Hawks.
Whichever side can stay disciplined and keep running, will take home the all important 'W'.
Mackay Magpies Vs. North Mackay Saints @ 2:45pm - Magpies Sports Park, Glenella
Last Modified on 17/04/2016 17:55