PDL | Tungamah prepares for Strathmerton battle, Waaia looks to put pressure on

Sitting undefeated on top of the ladder, the Bears are followed closely by the also-undefeated Waaia, while Strathmerton, who has lost twice, sits in third.

Saturday’s game will be one of Tungamah’s biggest tests of the season so far, with Strathmerton playing good football of late and the 2019 grand finalist sure to provide a challenge.

Tungamah coach Xavier Stevenson said his side would have a number of ins for the big game.

“We’ve obviously got a lot of respect for Strathmerton, they were probably the benchmark last year and we’re really excited to test ourselves against someone we respect,” Stevenson said.

“We’ve been happy with the season and how it has gone so far, I’m looking forward to playing Strathmerton and Waaia in the coming weeks, they’ve both been winning convincingly as well.”

Stevenson said goal kicker Ash Saunders would return, James and Nick Lawless would be back in and Damon Symes may also.

“In terms of this weekend we’re in a lucky position and have got some selection headaches,” he said.

“The reserves are also undefeated so we’re really lucky with the way the club is.

“I think it’s really important to be able to be top four at the end of the year, it’s an important game for us to shore up the ability to play top four and also just a really good opposition to test against.”

Tungamah will welcome Strathmerton to Jubilee Park on Saturday at 2.05pm.

Elsewhere, fellow undefeated side Waaia will face a tricky trip to Katunga.

Bombers coach Mark Meyland said he was looking forward to the challenge.

“Hopefully we’re going to get a couple back, we’ve been ravaged by injury of late,” Meyland said.

“There’s a bit more at stake, it’s an important game, it’s always a good one against Katunga but we’re both up there this year.”

Waaia is hoping to welcome ruckman Ash Holland back for Saturday’s game, while Rob Osborne will be back in the side.

Meyland said with a second chance in the finals on the line it was important to get the win on Saturday.

“To get that second chance come finals time will be huge, I think every club will be in the hunt to get that under their belt, we’re just taking each week as it comes,” he said.

Waaia’s away clash against Katunga will begin at 2.05 pm on Saturday.

In the weekend’s other round 13 games, Blighty will travel to Berrigan and Katandra will play host to Jerilderie.

Rennie and Picola United will do battle in Picola, while Tocumwal is set to welcome Mathoura.

Katamatite has a week off.