Darley paceman Ben Longhurst will play his first match of the season against Golden Point in the second two-day round of the 2019-20 Ballarat Cricket Association campaign.
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The talented veteran missed the opening month of the season after sustaining a calf injury during preseason training.
Longhurst's inclusion is a big boost for the club which currently sits second on the competition ladder.
Darley coach Brian Wheelahan said he had been one of the club's most consistent performers for almost a decade.
"He's been a stalwart for years," he said.
"He got through training this week and has pulled up okay.
"It will be great to bolster up our bowling socks with him up front."
Darley has enjoyed a solid start to the season in what has been a rain-interrupted opening month.
Wheelahan said it was the club's best start in a couple of years, but it would need to ensure it played its best cricket week in and week out.
"All of our recruits have played well, we've got lots of depth and a few players in the seconds knocking on the door," he said.
The club will have its work cut out on Saturday against a Golden Point outfit with multiple finals appearances.
Wheelahan said he was confident his side could match it with the best of them.
Meanwhile Golden Point will enter the contest without experienced wicket keeper Lachlan Anderson.
Under-17 youngster Tom Mackenzie will enter the side in what will be his second game of first-grade cricket.
"He is a good wicket keeper and is going to be a good player," Golden Point captain Josh White said.
"It will good for him to get an opportunity and gain some experience playing first-eleven cricket."
Competition leaders Wendouree reported no changes ahead of its clash with Ballarat-Redan.
Wendouree captain Gavin Webb said they would not underestimate the Ballarat-Redan side looking for its first win since round one.
He said he was hopeful Wendouree's early success was a sign of things to come.
Mt Clear will take a reloaded list into its clash with Naps Sebas, welcoming three players back into the squad.
Jarrod Burns, Jacob Smith and Grant Trevenen will re-enter the side, much to the delight of captain Darcy Thomson who believed their inclusion would benefit the club.
"They're seasoned players and it's good to have them back," he said.
North Ballarat will make one change ahead of its clash with Buninyong with Mick Nolan stepping out to make way for Hugh McGregor.
Brown Hill will take on East Ballarat at Western Oval.
