With Kyabram District League expected to be as tight as ever come round 18, this May 2 clash will be influential to where both outfits finish on the table.
Merrigum is coming off a stunning 201-point thrashing of Ardmona and will undoubtedly have its tails up for Sunday's encounter.
And although the sixth-placed Roos didn't deliver the Bush Cats a blow that extensive, they too will enter the bout at Merrigum Recreation Reserve with plenty of momentum.
Girgarre knocked off premiership fancy Violet Town last weekend in a stirring 19-point win.
The Kangas’ only loss came in round one against Lancaster, where they were handed a narrow nine-point loss.
Coincidentally, Merrigum's only blemish this season also came against the Wombats, on a day that was decided by 55 points.
Following his side's gutsy win over the Towners, Girgarre coach Billy Barnes said it was difficult to get an understanding on the Bulldogs.
“It's hard to read because I feel they have played sides that will finish lower than them on the ladder, so we will have to look closely at their game against Lancaster,” Barnes said.
“We are expecting them to be a quick and young side. It will be a tough match and we will need to be on our toes.”
However, the Roos will take on Merrigum without two gun talents.
Ryan Butler is out with a hamstring strain, while Damien Dalziel suffered an injury to his calf muscle.
But the Roos will be bolstered by the return of Cam Gahan, who missed last weekend's win due to soreness.
“Cam will come back in after he sat out on Saturday,” Barnes said.
“We'll look at our full senior list (to see who comes in) and potentially give our 18s a run.”
Meanwhile, it has been a family affair at Girgarre in 2021.
Barnes has been joined by brother-in-law Matt Deledio, who he played alongside with during his days at Torquay.
Deledio's father Wayne is also an assistant coach at the club.
Deledio told McPherson Media Group that he was enjoying his time running around with Barnes.
“I first played with Bill down at Torquay for a few years,” Deledio said.
“And I absolutely loved when we played together, so I was excited to do it again. And having Dad as an assistant coach as well just makes this opportunity even more meaningful.
“There really is nothing like playing with family.”
The move was also an opportunity for Deledio to return to football in the Kyabram region.
“It's not strange,” he said.
“But it feels like a lifetime ago since I was here. it's been close to a decade since I last played locally.
“But I love it. The wide open grounds and the more consistent weather, it really is a great place to play football.”
● Followers of the league can expect to see a blockbuster match between reigning premier Nagambie and exciting packet Murchison-Toolamba.
Avenel returns from a weekend off with a home match against Undera.
Stanhope will be hoping it can rebound from last weekend's loss when Shepparton East heads to the Lions’ Den.
Rushworth will be eyeing a first win of the season when the Tigers welcome Tallygaroopna to Ironbark Stadium.
Dookie United and Lancaster will look to improve their ladder positions when they take on Ardmona and Longwood respectively.
And Violet Town will enjoy the week off after two hard-fought matches.
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