Top of the table Tatyoon will be out to keep its winning streak alive, but must overcome its toughest challenge yet in the form of third place Penshurst.

The Hawks won't take a full strength team into the match, with key personnel including Jarrod Blandford, Brodie Mines, Zach Louder and Matthew Williams to miss with injury.

Coach Damian Cameron said despite that setback, he had confidence that his side would rise to the challenge.

"We have had a few out in the last couple of weeks and have been able to manage alright," he said.

"Coming up against another quality opposition, hopefully we will all rise to the next level.

"From current results this will be our biggest challenge so far, they are shaping up pretty good. I know they have a good midfield, so that is probably where the biggest battle is going to be at."

The task of winning will begin in the centre with Tim McDougall, Sean McDougall and Pat Willmore, who are all proven ball winners and should help Tatyoon get away to a good start.

The Hawks will be hoping that Steven Butler can continue his white hot start to the season, with the forward averaging more than six goals per match in the first six weeks.

"I think this season Steven has really taken his team game to another level," Cameron said.

"From my point of view he could probably have a lot more goals than that, but the way we are set up structurally and the way we are trying to play, he's really on board with that.

"As well as kicking goals, he is getting a lot of the ball up the ground and helping to drive us forward, which is good."

Tatyoon will need to be wary of the Bombers' potent line-up, led by reigning league best and fairest winner Justin Eales.

Cameron witnessed first hand what Eales is capable of, after playing alongside him during last week's interleague clash.

"It doesn't matter if you are tagging him or not, he always seems to find a lot of the ball and he covers the ground really well," Cameron said.

"I think if we can control the areas of the ground where he is most dangerous, that's going to help things go our way.

"Will McGregor is another of their quality players, but I think we'll find the right match up for him too."

The contest between fourth placed Moyston/Willaura and fifth placed Caramut will also give a good indication of where these two teams are at in the early stages of season 2015.

The Pumas are yet to hit their peak, but have still managed to win five of the six matches so far — dropping just the one game in round three against Lismore/Derrinallum.

With the majority of the playing group enjoying a week’s break courtesy of interleague, coach Jacob Hamilton will be hoping his team is fresh and ready for the challenge the Swans are sure to throw at them.

Ruckman Josh Bywater will remain sidelined for several weeks with a hand injury, which makes the return of Daniel Guinane critical to Moyston/Willaura’s fortunes.

The former coach had his first hitout with the Pumas in round six and if he lines up again tomorrow, Guinane will be called upon in the ruck to give onballers Luke Thomas, Matt Peel and Matt Scully first use.

Rhys Cronin put in an impressive performance for the Mininera at the Country Championships and will be charged with similar duties back at club level. The defender will need to use his run and carry to give the Pumas drive forward, while he will also need to help negate the influence of Swans’ leading goal kicker Steven Bourke.

A win to Moyston/Willaura will give the team breathing space inside the top four heading into the Queen’s Birthday long weekend bye.

Wickliffe/Lake Bolac will head into its match against the Ararat Eagles confident of recording its second win of the season.

After suffering two one point losses in the first six weeks, the Magpies could be forgiven for thinking they are the most unlucky team currently in the competition.

However, a morale boosting win could be just what Chris Hilet’s team needs to get things back on track.

In order to achieve this, the team must have contributors across all lines.

Charlie Archer and Tom Gibson have been controlling the backline with determination, while inside-50 Danniel Smith and Michael Otto lead the goal scoring, but it is the form of Jock Cameron which has been the most impressive aspect of the Pies’ season so far.

The midfielder has been named in the team’s top six on four out of his five matches, including three consecutive best on ground performances.

With support coming from Brad Keilar, Jake Clark and Hilet, the onball brigade could be in for a day out tomorrow against the Eagles.

Looking to stop the influence of the Wickliffe/Lake Bolac ball winners will be Ararat Eagles’ Ash Leggett, Brent Bulger and Chris Dahlstrom.

Fresh from their MDFL experience, leaders Lewis Baker and Nathan Wemyss will also have big roles to play.

Victory over Woorndoo/Mortlake will keep SM&W Rovers in touch with the top five.

The Bulldogs are two wins off the pace and can’t afford to drop matches against teams below them if they are to remain in contention moving into the second half of the year.

Thomas Thewlis continues to be reliable in the backline, while further up the ground Jonathon Box and Shaun Liston have proved valuable.

Rovers will need to approach this clash with caution, as the Tigers are no longer the easy beats of past seasons.

Great Western and Hawkesdale/Macarthur are locked on two wins apiece, and both sides will be aware of the importance of this contest.

The Lions continue to battle injuries and player unavailability on a weekly basis.

Key players Matt Newton and Shannon Notting will be absent from tomorrow’s line-up, however Great Western will welcome back versatile tall Rayne Salmon and the experienced Glen Walker.

In the final match of the round Glenthompson/Dunkeld hosts Lismore/Derrinallum.

Umpire appointments

Caramut v Moy/Will (at Cara): T Cooper, P Forsyth

Wick/LB v Ararat (at Lake Bolac): P Walton, L Mooney

W/Mortlake v SMW (at Woorndoo): D Reynolds, P Spriggs