The Bottle Greens want to use Reid Oval’s vast expanses to exploit Murray and return to the country championship winners’ circle today.

Hampden coach Chris McLaren has assembled a squad with strength on every line, from former North Ballarat Rooster Chris Baxter in defence, to reigning Maskell medallist Isaac Templeton in the middle, and three-time Warrnambool premiership swingman Sam Cowling in attack.

“It’ll definitely be an offensive style of game for us,” he said.

“I think interleague footy needs to be that.  It needs to be fun and exciting, good to watch and good to play in.

“We’ll take the game on, look to run and bounce and carry and get the ball in there as quick as we can.”

The Bottle Greens boast an envious forward line which includes Blues spearhead Travis Graham, who has booted 29 goals in five matches this season, and Terang Mortlake’s Stephen Staunton, who kicked seven majors at interleague level in 2013.

Two players with state league experience, Portland coach Luke Crane (Sturt) and Cobden jet Brody Mahoney (North Ballarat Roosters) are dangerous goalsneaks.

“We have some scoring potency up there,” McLaren said.

“Travis Graham is in terrific form and so is Stevie Staunton at Terang and we know how good Cowling’s been over a number of years now. And then we’ve got some real class medium and small forwards who can go through there as well so we think we can kick a score for sure.”

Hampden suffered a record 125-point interleague loss last year, stumbling against a dominant Ovens and Murray outfit.

McLaren said today’s contest, between seventh and eighth on the country championships table, was a new chapter.

“I don’t know whether it’s about trying to prove anyone wrong or anything like that,” he said.

“You just want to put a good performance in, especially when you’re playing at home in front of a lot of supporters.

“District league footy is obviously away as well so it’s the only game in town for the weekend, so there should be a bit of a crowd here so I am sure all the players will want to do well.”

Murray coach Peter White believes he’s named a balanced line-up.

“We are reasonably flexible, have a mix of talls, experience and young guys,” he said.

Reigning Murray league premier Rumbalara has a record eight league representative players, including former Brisbane and Essendon utility Damian Cupido and one-time AFL draft chance Clayton McCartney. 

Cupido, who played 53 AFL games, is Murray co-captain alongside Echuca United’s Ryan Prendergast.

White said Cupido’s versatility was important. 

“He’s kicked 20 goals this year and he throws himself around at Rumbalara, forward and at half-back,” he said.

justine.mc@fairfaxmedia.com.au