The Magpies are fresh off the bye in round three, following their opening two wins against Creswick by 53 points and Ballan by 59 points.

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Coach Johno Leoncini told The Courier the Lakies always present a tough contest.

"I'm excited about it I think it's going to be a great game. They're a young side Learmonth, they're always up and about and around the mark, so I think it's a good test," he said.

"I think it's a great challenge, looking forward to it."

Clunes' opponents, Learmonth, could easily be 3-0 if it had got over the line against Rokewood Corindhap in round one.

It sits 2-1, however, and confident of a third consecutive victory following its 75-point thrashing of Ballan.

The Lakies have blooded 11 young debutantes to date.

Clunes went the other direction and added experience to its list with the likes of Alex Riches and twins Josh and Ryan Thompson to bolster its stocks.

They're contrasting lists that make for an interesting match-up come Saturday afternoon.

"They're a side that do move the ball quite well actually and for a young group they always do move it quite well," Leoncini said.

"That's going to be something that we just have to be wary of."

The two sides will also play in honour of Sharon Siermans, who played netball for both clubs and was tragically murdered in 2013. A White Ribbon member will speak at half-time of the game and the White Ribbon Shield will be up for grabs.

In other games, Ballan will host its third straight game against fellow winless side Daylesford. Dale Thomas will be a welcomed inclusion for the Blues.

Beaufort, fresh off a belting at the hands of Skipton, will take on the 0-3 Bungaree.

Creswick will be looking for back-to-back wins when its hosts Carngham Linton.

Dunnstown hosts the injury riddled Springbank.

Gordon and its new recruit, James Kelly, take on Newlyn who is missing Marcus Darmody.

Hepburn hosts Skipton and Rokewood Corindhap takes on Waubra.

at Ballan, 2:35pm

Last time: Daylesford 13.4 (82) defeated Ballan 8.7 (55), round four 2019

A quick word: Two sides, in dire need of a win to get their seasons back on track. Collingwood premiership player Dale Thomas is a handy inclusion for the Blues and a headache Daylesford could probably go without. Expecting a fierce contest.

Prediction: Daylesford

at Beaufort, 2:35pm

Last time: Beaufort 12.11 (83) defeated Bungaree 5.10 (40), round four 2019

A quick word: As I mentioned above, two sides in dire need of a win. Bungaree is winless from its three outings while Beaufort has suffered back-to-back beltings by Waubra and Skipton. On paper, very even, should be a cracking match-up.

Prediction: Bungaree

at Clunes, 2:35pm

Last time: Learmonth 9.16 (70) defeated Clunes 8.5 (53), round four 2019

A quick word: On form through the first three rounds this should be one of the games of the weekend. Clunes are fresh off a bye and sit 2-0, while a young and energetic Learmonth side have won back-to-back games and enter the match-up confident. A win sets up the season for the victor.

Prediction: Learmonth

at Creswick, 2:35pm

Last time: Creswick 10.14 (74) defeated Carngham Linton 6.7 (43), round four 2019

A quick word: Creswick finally kicked a high score in a win over Daylesford, and Carngham Linton present an opportunity to back it up with another. The Saints were better against Rokewood Corindhap in round three, however, to say they need to win this game is an understatement.

Prediction: Creswick

at Dunnstown, 2:35pm

Last time: Springbank 9.10 (64) defeated Dunnstown 9.9 (63), round four 2019

A quick word: Two teams very close to each other on the highway and evenly poised on paper. Springbank would be seething after a 105-point belting at the hands of Gordon. The Towners come in confident after back-to-back wins, although are without Angus Thompson (concussion), Mitch Henderson (concussion) and Khyle Ford (hamstring). Expecting a big response from the Tigers.

Prediction: Dunnstown

at Gordon, 2:35pm

Last time: Newlyn 11.11 (77) defeated Gordon 7.12 (54) 2019 Qualifying Final

A quick word: Newlyn enter this tier one clash without spearhead Marcus Darmody, while Gordon come into it with three-time Geelong premiership player James Kelly making his debut. Looking forward to seeing a new look Newlyn forward line, potentially a match-winner if it gels well.

Prediction: Gordon

at Hepburn, 2:35pm

Last time: Hepburn 11.15 (81) defeated Skipton 6.12 (48) 2019 Elimination Final

A quick word: Hepburn are fresh off an 89-point belting of reigning premiers Waubra, while Skipton finally got on the board against Beaufort. The Emus are still without co-coach Andrew Pitson, so I'm expecting a Hepburn victory, however, Skipton are no easy beats so I envision a close contest.

Prediction: Hepburn

at Rokewood, 2:35pm

Last time: Waubra 12.15 (87) defeated Rokewood Corindhap 9.3 (57) round for 2019

A quick word: One of the games of the round. Waubra are looking to rebound from a belting at the hands of Hepburn, while Rokewood Corindhap sit 3-0 and second on the ladder. If the Hoppers want to be taken seriously, this is a game they have to win.

Prediction: Rokewood Corindhap

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