Deniliquin Rovers will play Picola United, Berrigan and Tungamah face off in a heavyweight battle, Rennie hosts Yarroweyah in the battle of the Grasshoppers, Strathmerton travels to Blighty, Katamatite heads to Tocumwal, Mathoura and Waaia will do battle as will Jerilderie and Katunga, while Katandra has the bye.
While all clubs will be keen to show off their form, Tungamah has extra incentive after its match with Yarroweyah was postponed last weekend, meaning the Bears haven't played since their impressive win over fellow contender Waaia on May 22.
“We feel we we're building a bit of momentum,” Bears coach Xavier Stevenson said.
“Three weeks ago against Waaia was our strongest performance.
“We’re hoping to continue building that momentum going forward.”
Stevenson said consistent performances from two players in particular had impressed him in the opening half of the season.
“I’m really impressed with a couple this year,” he said.
“Nick Irvine, through the midfield, and Dylan Scott, off half-back, have stood out with consistent performances.”
Not only do they not have any Melbourne players on their list, the Bears’ list is quite healthy with two games in hand on some of the other teams around them.
“We’re pretty lucky that our players are predominately home-grown,” Stevenson said.
“Most of our players are based in Yarrowonga, Mulwala and Tungamah, so we have no Melbourne people on our list.
“Touch wood we are okay (injury-wise).
“We have a couple of guys out with soft tissue injuries, but overall we are in good shape.
“We are in the fortunate position still to make (selection) decisions with our senior and ressies squads, but it is meaning some are still missing out.”
Jerilderie co-coach Chris Marshall said it was unfortunate to have some players missing due to Melbourne's stricter COVID-19 lockdown rules, but was impressed with his team's performance against Strathmerton, despite the loss.
“It was bit tough without our local Melbourne blokes not coming back,” Marshall said.
“I was very impressed with how we fought all the way to the end and I was proud of how the boys put in against Strathmerton last week.”
While he admitted his team had been "lucky compared to some" on the injury front, Marshall said it was who, not how many, that was challenging for his Demons.
“It’s been a battle to be honest,” Marshall said.
“Lachie Leeds and Shaun Bryce have been out with hamstrings and our captain Sam Sleigh with a broken hand-finger has been out for a few weeks, which has hurt us with our leadership on field.”
Only those who have not left the Victoria-NSW border bubble in the past 14 days are allowed to attend the match, regardless of whether they are playing or a spectator.
The league fixture remains 18 rounds, with all clubs playing all sides once prior to round 17 and sides only playing two sides twice, in round 17 and 18, which remain unchanged.
Finals dates also remain as scheduled.
MORE LOCAL SPORT:
Ednie experiences the highs and lows of football within seconds
AFL exports | Euroa product shines in his return from injury
Community sport set to be allowed in regional Victoria from Friday
21°C