The Kenmore Bears face their toughest test in the history of the club when they take on the Yeronga Devils at Yeronga on Saturday.
It will be the Bears' first hit-out for the season and their first match against a division 1 side.
Even though it's a practise match, the new kids don't expect last year's premiers to go easy on them.
Seniors' captain for the day, Peter Stowasser, said that he anticipates the reigning champs to show no mercy.
There's no doubt they will want to demoralise us, we're the new kids on the block. We'd do the same," Stowasser said.
The Bears have had their hand forced on a number of selection decisions and will go into the match under strength, but are still hopeful of putting up a good showing.
Youngster, Guy Davis, will make his run-on debut for the senior team as ruckman, a tribute to how he finished last season in the reserves.
His success in feeding the on-ballers possession will be a big determiner in the match's outcome.
The on-ball unit has an unfamiliar look to it this season with the Bears losing ruckman Rob Sullivan and rover Tom Cook.
However, Stowasser has full faith that Davis and Wayne Patterson will be more than adequate replacements.
Guy and Patto are both quality players who deserve their selection. Sure, they have big shoes to fill, but they wouldn't be there if they couldn't do it," he said.
The reserves side has trained well all week and look primed to put a big fight up to Yeronga.
Club legend Jeff Mills has pulled on the boots for the first time in two seasons after dropping 10 kilograms in the off-season.
Mills will line up at full forward and his imposing presence is sure to give some comfort to some of the younger, less experienced reserves players.
The reserves have secured the services of Simon Butler, last year's best and fairest winner, for the 2007 season and he lines up in the centre.
The games begin at 2pm for the reserves and 4pm for the seniors.
Patrons are requested to get there early as the general admission area is expected to fill very quickly.
Last Modified on 30/01/2008 15:25
