The McDonald’s Reds will attempt to advance into the seventh round when they take on Hume City at Morshead Park.

The Red Devils are familiar with their opponents, having played and beaten Hume in last year’s National Premier Leagues Victoria season.

However, Ballarat coach James Robinson is wary of Hume’s latest signings.

City has bolstered its stocks with former Melbourne Victory striker/winger Theo Markelis, as well as former Swedish professional Daniel Clark.

“We know what their strengths are,” Robinson said.

“They’ve got good ball players and quick wingers.

“If you give quality players time on the ball, they’re going to make you pay.”

The Red Devils have been typically adept at stifling the opposition’s play with their fierce press this season – a trait Robinson hopes his players will continue on Saturday.

Ballarat enters the clash in decent form after a tough run of mid-season NPLV1 matches, but more importantly, with a clean bill of health.

Captain Shaun Romein has returned from suspension, while Liam Harding and Jimmy Downey are both over their injury woes.

In contrast, Hume played out a gruelling draw during the week and enters the clash on a three-day turnaround.

But in Robinson’s words, “form goes out the window come cup time”.

“The adrenalin on the day, you can utilise that as a motivation,” he said. “They have to back up three days later. We’ve done the same before and the adrenalin, drive (and) passion (always) goes through the tired legs.”

michael.pollock@fairfaxmedia.com.au