The two games are separated by a round nine bye, but Alexander said it was critical it comes home with the points against a Mounties side which currently sits in fourth position – a spot the Lions are hoping to make their own.

“The next two games against them are critical,” Alexander said.

Alexander said while the importance of the matches had been spoken about, there was no need to change the way it approaches its cricket.

“It’s at the forefront of your thinking, but it doesn’t change the way we play.

“The equation is simple for us if we want to play finals – win our four matches.”

Darley will be without Ryan Ali, who is overseas, but will welcome back Hayden Jamieson from injury.

For Mt Clear, the memory of last year’s semi-final loss to Darley is still fresh in the mind. 

Captain Darcy Thomson said his side would be out to redeem itself after a poor showing in the semi-final.

Thomson said the wicket of Lachlan Herring, who made a century in the final, was the key to getting a valuable six points.

However, Mt Clear will be without inform all-rounder Steve Nicholson, but he will be well-replaced by damaging opener Sam Giblett.

EAST Ballarat has its eye on a finals berth, and victory over Napoleons-Sebastopol on Saturday is step one as it returns from the Christmas break.

The Hawks are one game behind the fourth-placed Mt Clear and level with Darley on points – those three clubs the clear chase group to what looks to be a battle for fourth position.

It has been a long time since East Ballarat has played for Ballarat Cricket Association first grade points. It had the bye in the round leading into Christmas, while the previous round was washed out.

It is crucial the Hawks can continue ticking over its points tally in order to stay in touch with the top four.

This encounter is a must-win given its next three matches are against the top three sides, before playing Ballarat-Redan in the final round. 

The Hawks will need to beat at least one of the top three but for now the focus must be firmly on defeating an out of form but capable Naps-Sebas.

As for Napoleons-Sebastopol, it has just one win for the season and the back-end of the 2017-18 will be devoted to regaining form and trying to build momentum to hopefully carry over into next season.

It will be a strange second half of the season for Naps-Sebas given it plays two matches before having byes in rounds 10 and 11, before the last round.

BALLARAT-REDAN and Brown Hill will both be hunting for their first victory on Saturday as the two winless sides meet for the first time this season.

The tough season has not been unexpected, with both clubs putting out youthful sides on a regular basis as they rebuild.

Nonetheless, excitement is building for this weekend’s clash as a much-anticipated victory will reached for one club in a fortnight’s time.

Combine skipper Jayden Hayes said encouraging signs had been shown by the young side throughout the season.

While victory has eluded it, and inconsistency a feature – particularly with the bat. Hayes said he was rapt with its performance prior to the Christmas break where it pushed the undefeated North Ballarat to 21 runs and showed great heart in its run chase.

“Our last game was our most consistent,” Hayes said.

“We played positively and if we can bring that this week we should be right in with a chance.”

Simon Allan comes into the side in a big boost for the first XI, providing great experience and plenty with the bat.

As for Brown Hill, it to is hoping the next two Saturdays can provide it with a long-awaited six points.

Captain Ryan Knowles said the club would continue to play its best available side in search of wins for the remainder of the season.