On the courts, it’s a top of the table clash for the A-grade, under-15s and under-13s netballers.
The footballers will also be looking to prove themselves, including in the seniors, where the sixth placed Rovers take on the eighth placed Bloods.
The Rovers are coming off a 39 point loss at their Memorial Park home against Tungamah.
Senior coach Alex Hay said, reflecting on the game, there were a few things to takeaway.
“I had some mixed feelings about the loss at the weekend,” he said.
“There’s probably some disappointment leaving the game and probably letting some changes slip in conversation after playing well for a sustained period, but you have those weeks.
“On the other side of things, it was actually a pretty remarkable effort for the boys to stick to the task.
“We did not have a bench to work with after quarter time, and we were down some key players, and still held ourselves to a good standard.
“I was really impressed with Isaac Behsman’s ability to come on after quarter time and have a real impact in his first senior game.
“It probably got us out of some trouble on reflection, so that was a real positive out of the day.”
Tocumwal has some new-blood, including several recruits from Deniliquin that came into the team after their 12th place finish on the ladder last season.
The side has already matched their number of wins from last season with four wins from nine games this season.
While their win-loss record is mixed, Hay said the Rovers are prepared for a quality attacking Tocumwal outfit.
“I’d suspect they are a much better side than their record suggests.
“We know that they have recruited some real quality, which has provided some strength in different areas, but I’d expect a high-pressure contest. It’s what we’ve come to know of Tocumwal after the last few years.
“One thing that I’ve noted is that they have the ability to score quickly, which is something that we will be mindful of coming into the weekend.”
Heading into the second half of the home and away season, Hay said he’s happy with some of the signs the team has shown so far.
But he said they cannot rest on their laurels, with their credentials to be tested over their next five games.
“It’s certainly gone quickly, but to have six wins and two wins at this stage of the year is definitely pleasing.
“We have played some really good footy, but again our consistency is something we are always trying to improve.
“This has coincided with some injuries to key players, and that has definitely changed the dynamic of the side, no doubt.
“This next month is crucial, especially when it’s cold and wet.
“There will always be an excuse if we look for it, but in my experience, this period is where good teams are able to separate themselves, so it’ll be a good test to see where we are at.”
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