The crafty ruckman returned to the Bulldogs’ line-up for the first time since last season’s semi-final defeat at the weekend, helping his team get over Dunnstown.

That hit-out has Winduss primed for this Saturday’s clash with spa country powerhouse Hepburn.

The Dogs have the wood over the reigning premier, having won their past four meetings with the Burras, which have not triumphed since a round three victory way back in 2011. Since then, Daylesford has won two home and away fixtures and two finals in a good run of form over its rivals.

Hepburn coach Clive Raak is aware of that record, but will be just focused on getting the result to keep his team in the running for a top-four berth.

The Burras are fifth, a game behind Buninyong, while Daylesford is eighth, a game clear of ninth-placed Carngham-Linton.

“I think the rivalry when (Daylesford) first came into the competition was really big. It has died off a little bit, but is still there,” Raak said.

Young gun Jimmy Rodgers looms a likely inclusion into the senior side after a stint in the reserves, while midfielder Brad McKay is another probable addition this weekend. 

Ruckman Salesi Uhi and forward Tom Conroy are other considerations for selectors.

For Daylesford, coach Joel Adams said brother Luke would return to the team after missing the win over the Towners, while key defender Nathan Gudgeon is unavailable. Midfielder Kane Trimble is likely to miss with a groin strain, but young tall Jason Mackley could recover from his own injury concerns and return to the side.

PREDICTION: Hepburn by a few goals.