Its an unfamiliar situation for the current crop of players, who this time last year were on the road to a grand final appearance.

But Learmonth second Chris Powell said it's been a different story in 2019, with a number close games bouncing the opposition's way.

"Last year we won all our close games and this year we're losing them all," he said.

"We haven't been thrashed, but we've been in that 10-shot range of teams.

"We're not quite clicking at the moment but we're not far away."

The season has marked an adjustment period for the club, which said goodbye to skippers Wes Lennecke and Grant Bourke in the off-season.

Powell said the increased standard of play brought about by the introduction of four new teams had also created challenges.

"It's a much tougher comp," he said.

"You've got to get your bowls a lot closer than you did in division one.

"You've got to have an even team, because you can't afford to have a rink get beaten by 10 or 12 shots."

Learmonth will take on an out-of-form Creswick on Saturday, which has slid down the ladder in recent weeks following a string of losses.

Powell said the two club's always produce a good contest.

Learmonth will welcome Brendan Pym back into the side, who will take his place at second under skipper Dave Kelly.

Ross Powell and Greg Plier would also look to continue their good form after being promoted at the start of the season.

"Ross has come into the skippers job, which has fitted him quite well and Greg has stepped into third and played well as well," Powell said.

Meanwhile Mt Xavier will play Webbcona, BMS will take on Victoria. Buninyong will host Sebastopol and Crentral Wendouree will face Ballarat.