Eagles mastermind Adam Dowie is plotting a way for his team to respond after suffering a 31-point loss to the Roosters in round two.

The two Hampden league flag contenders have had to wait an extra fortnight to play again following a COVID-19 lockdown.

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Both teams have 9-1 win-loss records.

Dowie said a lack of training in the lead-up, the mental challenges of restrictions and a change of personnel since round two would be factors.

"No crowd is unsettling and the weather isn't looking great, meant to be a fair bit of rain," he said.

"We are not worried about heavy conditions.

"It just adds layers to what was already a pretty intriguing contest."

Dowie, who re-signed for season 2022 last week, is pleased the Eagles have a tough road to finals.

"It's a really good test against a well-oiled, well set-up, skilful, well-structured opponent," he said.

"Every part of your game gets tested.

"The mindset this week will be challenge and compete really hard but we will try some things.

"It might be some positional stuff - do you tag, do you put a lot of emphasis on that?

"Do you change the way you play a little bit?"

Billy Hancocks, who used to play for Warrnambool and District league club South Rovers, will debut for the Eagles.

"He's only been back from Darwin for six weeks," Dowie said.

"He was in special operations with the Army. He's a running machine and pretty hard, has a basketball background and is best mates with Dion Johnstone."

South Warrnambool coach Mat Battistello is also ready for the re-match.

"I don't think the game (earlier in the season) reached too many heights and that is no disrespect to either side," he said.

"North has built some great momentum with (Ty) Vickery, (Billie) Smedts, (Dylan) Parish and (Dion) Johnstone and guys like that. It's a completely different mix.

"We have also equally got as many players they haven't had a look at as well."

Battistello had laid down the challenge to his players.

"When you throw Vickery into their side they are reasonably tall and could challenge us a bit but our backs are in good form," he said.

"They have been building and wanting to play the quality of Adam's side."

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