The Lions travel to Murchison, where they will go toe-to-toe against Murchison-Toolamba in a mouth-watering round three contest.
The Hoppers are cruising after the opening two rounds to start the season, with dominant wins over Ardmona and Rushworth, respectively.
Speaking after his side's round two triumph over Undera, Stanhope co-coach Mark Patten understood the challenge that awaits his charges.
“We are expecting to come up against a well-equipped outfit,” Patten said.
“We are under no illusion that it will be a tough contest. But we are looking forward to the challenge and it will be a good indicator of where we are at.”
Leading the way for Murchison-Toolamba has been the club's string of summer recruits.
Former Shepparton talent Jordan McGregor was best afield in round one, while Aidan Lloyd stood tall at the weekend.
While James Ivill and Leigh Wellington have provided quality contributions.
In the Lions’ camp, young gun Jono Pearson proved a handful for Undera defenders last week.
The forward found plenty of the ball and was a valuable target on the lead.
Patten spoke glowingly of his side's top performer.
“Jono has put in a huge pre-season, I think he has only been absent to one or two training sessions,” he said.
“He plays high half-forward and covers plenty of ground and he got full reward last week for his hard work over summer.”
● Australia's most iconic pole vaulter, Steve Hooker, made a surprise appearance for one struggling club last weekend.
Hooker, an Olympic gold medallist, donned the Ardmona jumper in the round two loss to Girgarre.
And the talented former Olympian showcased he wasn't just there to help with numbers.
In his first taste of senior football, Hooker starred in the forward line — even finishing with a major — and was named in the list of better players.
Ardmona president Tim Magann said a friendship between Ardmona’s coach, Brownlow medallist Shane Crawford, resulted in the appearance — and that fans could expect more Hooker brilliance in 2021.
“He is very tall and athletic and although he hasn’t played since his teenage days and never before at senior level, he is pretty good,’’ Magann told the Kyabram Free Press.
“He is just a terrific bloke and great to have around the club.”
Ardmona is expected to have more high profile recruits this season.
Former AFL player Dylan Buckley and sports reporter Nick Butler are set to pull on the boots for the Bush Cats next month in a bid to help secure the club's first win since July 2015.
Ardmona takes on Merrigum this Saturday in round three.
● In other matches, Shepparton East is back at home against Rushworth and Lancaster will host an undefeated Dookie United.
Undera faces a good challenge against reigning premier Nagambie, which returns from the bye.
Meanwhile, either Tallygaroopna and Longwood will sing the song for the first time on Saturday in the battle of the Redlegs.
And Violet Town will aim to get back on the winners’ list with a home match against Girgarre.
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