The Blockbuster Lady Devils are fired up for their first Football Federation Victoria Women’s State Knockout Cup clash in Ballarat tomorrow.

They refuse to take the pre-season game lightly with the only certainly that Bendigo club team Colts United has nothing to lose in claiming Ballarat’s scalp.

The Lady Devils FFV women’s state league one campaign begins in mid-April but team manager Bernie Curtain said the Cup was an important lead-in tournament.

Young players in the Lady Devils’ squad had shown promising signs in pre-season matches and this offered extra match play, with enough at stake, before the season proper.

“It’ll be good to get those girls some more senior women’s experience,” Curtain said.

“We’ve had good hit-outs in Melbourne the past four weeks which Rick (coach Romein) has found invaluable in giving them a run.”

The Lady Devils have strengthened their ranks with the returning Bella Faull, who had a heel injury last season, and Miff Jenning, who took last season off to complete year 12.

New recruit Natalie Barbara should also inject pace into the team.

The trio are much-needed replacements for key experienced players Beth Taylor (knee), Tina Benoit (feet) and goal keeper Micki Patlic (knee), who are out for the season with injury.

The Lady Devils will be near-full strength at Trekardo Park tomorrow, with play to start at 3pm.