Longhurst, Dixon back in time for Christmas | BCA preview | round nine | teams

It will mark the first match in more than a month for Longhurst, who injured his calf in round three. He will replace Marcus Ingvorsen, who will head back to second grade.

Darley coach Brian Wheelahan said it was a relief to have Longhurst back in the side.

"He's been sorely missed," he said.

Longhurst will open the bowling for the Lions, alongside stalwart Madushanka Ekanayaka. A win on Saturday would yield some much-needed momentum for the defending premier, which has lost two of its last three matches.

"It's always nice to carry momentum into Christmas," Wheelahan said.

"We fought hard to chase Wendouree last week, so it's a good sign our batters are finding some form."

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At the other end, Mt Clear might get back top order batsman Matt Ward. Ward, who has been out with a hamstring injury, underwent a fitness test at training last night.

If cleared, he will likely replace youngster Isaac Hucker.

Mt Clear captain Jarrod Burns expected a desperate effort from the Lions. He also said it would pay to watch teammate Matthew Goonan, who smashed a century in his second game back for the club last week at age 40.

"He's won EJ Cleary's and has been at the top of A-Grade for a long time and it goes to show he is still capable of not only playing, but dominating," he said.

Meanwhile East Ballarat will welcome player-coach Tristan Dixon back into the side for its top-end clash with Wendouree at Wendouree Turf.

Dixon strained his calf in a win over Buninyong three weeks ago. East Ballarat captain Josh Brown said it was good to have him back.

"He's handy, he's our coach and one of our better players," he said.

The top-placed Hawks will face a red hot Red Caps outfit, who have not been beaten since round three.

Brown expected a tough game.

We need to get their batsman out as cheap as possible. They are all in good form", he said.

Wendouree will enter the match unchanged following an impressive win over Darley, which saw four of its batsman make at least 50 runs.

Wendouree captain Ryan Simmonds said East always provided a good challenge.

"They are on top of the ladder and have been a strong side for years, so it will be a good test to see where we are at," he said.

"Their bowling attack is strong and our batting has been quite strong. That's probably the key match-up and I think that's where the game will be one and lost for either team."