With just one game set to be played this weekend in our senior men's and women's competitions, all eyes will turn to Windy Hill on Sunday as Strathmore and Aberfeldie go head-to-head in a tantalising Queen's Birthday marquee clash.
These two teams have played out some of the most memorable EDFL matches in recent history with thrillers in the home and away season as well as on this very stage in finals.
The past two occasions have seen Aberfeldie victors, with a difference of just three points the margin in both those games - a preliminary final loss to Strathmore in 2019 the more heart-breaking of the two contests.
The Strathmore Community Bank Premier Division ladder will suggest that Abers go in favourite for this one but after a slow start to the season, Strathmore have seemingly turned a corner.
The Mores have won their last three games to sit just one victory outside the top four, with the likes of Pascoe Vale and Sunday's opponent Aberfeldie well in their sights.
Matt Horne has been without some of his best personnel so far this year and the inclusion of Kyle Weightman a fortnight ago against Maribyrnong Park just went to show the top end quality the Mores have been lacking at times this season.
Weightman kicked five goals in the 74-point victory at Monk Oval after being released from Essendon VFL duties in an instant boost to the Mores' forward line.
His availability will be up in the air with the Bombers' VFL side set to play at Windy Hill on Saturday, but with the whispers of Athan Tsialtias's impending return, the two Team of the Year forwards make the options going forward far more dangerous.
With that said, not much has worried the Aberfeldie backline this season with the ever reliable defensive generals playing great football again in season 2022.
The one-two punch of Luke Davis and Daniel Thompson never leave much room for opposition forwards to work with and on the wide-open spaces of Windy Hill, their ability to organise and direct the defensive half of the ground will be imperative.
Through the midfield, reigning Reynolds Medallist Nick Meese is set to have a good battle with the well credentialed Andrew Vavra in the ruck.
Vavra has been one of Matt Horne's most reliable contributors this year and with the likes of Adam Marcon, Victor Carboni, Sam Cattapan, Cooper West, Adam Iacobucci and Nick O'Brien running through the guts for both teams, getting first use and winning the midfield battle is a crucial area of the contest.
And for some, the stage of the home of EDFL footy, Windy Hill, brings out the best in individuals.
Kyle Reimers is a player that immediately stands out when it comes to the showmen of the EDFL.
In a marquee game and big crowd in the stands, it presents the perfect opportunity for Reimers to do what he does best, and that is putting on a clinic.
The two teams will be playing for the Alistair Butcher-Geoff Brown cup in honour of two stalwarts of both clubs.
The game is also for charity, as both clubs raise funds for the Pat Cronin Foundation through takings from the gate, function and raffles.
At the completion of the Under 18.5s, Reserves and Senior game, one player from each side will also receive the 'Pat Cronin Medal' awarded by each senior coach to the players who best reflect the values of courage, respect and fairness, just as Pat did, during the match.
Entry to the game will be; Adults :$10 Concession: $5 and Children under 16: Free
THIS WEEKEND’S FIXTURES
STRATHMORE v ABERFELDIE
🎥 Cluch TV
📻 98.9 North West FM
Sunday 2:15pm at Windy Hill
Under 18.5s from 10am and Reserves 11:50am
