Allansford ready to test itself against reigning premier Dennington

That day, he points out – aside from being a rusty first game back – the Cats only produced a half of football.

After dropping their first two games against the Dogs and Old Collegians, the Cats have worked into sterling form, winning eight of their past nine matches, including good wins against fellow finals hopefuls Merrivale and Nirranda.

But the biggest test of their improvement will come when they host Dennington at Allansford Recreation Reserve.

Saunders said it will take nothing less than a four-quarter effort to topple the in-form Dogs.

“We have found some good form the last couple of weeks, so we’re just looking at maintaining that form and see if it holds up against Dennington,” he said.

“We’ve been winning the contested ball, our tackling rate has really lifted over the last couple of weeks.”

It has not been a perfect lead-in to the game for the Cats, who have had to make four changes to the side that won against the Blues.

Matt Lenehan is out with a neck injury and will be carefully managed, while Leatham Robe and Shaun Watson are out with ankle injuries, and Jack Coyle is unavailable.

But they have regained Mitch Bunworth from illness and called up Dean Byron, Joby Baker and Jol Katsaros.

Despite the forced changes, Saunders was backing in his team to take the challenge up to Dennington.

“We’re still confident the four guys we’re bringing in can do the job,” he said.

“Mitch Bunworth is a pretty good midfielder/forward … (and) we will be looking for Rory Neeson to stand up in that forward line for us to replace Matt Lenehan.

“It’s going to be vital our midfielders – Mitch Bunworth, Justin Fedley and Nick Johnstone – we’ll be looking for them to step up.

“Brad Williams as a full back has been really solid the last few weeks, with support from Brett and Travis Membrey.”

Dennington has also made four changes for the clash, bringing Luke Moutray, Jake Boyle, Tom Fitzgerald and Chris Vickery back in for Justin Wallace, Chris Paton, Jonathon Nevill and Timothy Chatfield.​