With just seven rounds remaining, a pack is forming on the edge of finals contention and points are now essential for the eighth-placed Thunder and ninth-placed Kangaroos.
Girgarre playing coach Damian Cupido, speaking after last week’s nail-biting win, said his outfit was wary of the Thunder.
“You can really only go off of their results,” he said.
“They beat Merrigum by 100 points which shows that they are a class team. We don’t take any side lightly and we won’t be taking them (Dookie) lightly.
“They are a bit like us; they look to have a good list together but they have probably underachieved a bit.”
Cupido was full of praise for youngster Angus Scoble last week.
The key-forward was impressed by the 15-year-old and his work-rate along the half-forward line.
Cupido backed in his side’s ability in what shaped up to be an ‘eight-point’ game.
“We know our brand works when we get it right,” he said.
“Our Achilles heel is our consistency and we have to have the same mindset that we did against Nagambie because it’s going to be another massive game.”
Elsewhere this weekend, Nagambie will be eager to make amends for last week’s loss, but will face a serious challenge in the form of Lancaster.
The Wombats themselves have a point to prove after going down rather disappointingly to Stanhope last weekend, 14.8 (92) to 6.12 (48).
The Lions have roared to seven straight wins and will be preying on another this weekend when they take on Tallygaroopna.
Murchison-Toolamba accounted for the Redlegs in round nine for their fourth straight win, with Longwood the side tasked with halting the red-hot Grasshoppers this weekend.
Sixth-placed Merrigum faces a tough challenge to its top-six hopes when it welcomes Shepparton East.
The Eagles will have every intention of atoning for their first loss of the season last week to Avenel at Central Park.
The Swans and Rushworth will do battle in the final match this Saturday, while Violet Town is back at home to welcome Undera in the sole Sunday game.
