Tongala suffered defeat at the hands of Moama in senior football last weekend but will be bolstered by the return of AFL alumni Brett Deledio, while brother Matt will suit up for the Blues for the first time in their home game against Rumbalara on Saturday.
“With more time and more rounds, we’re coming together as a group (and) also getting some really key additions into the team as well,” said coach Billy Barnes.
“Last time I played with Matt was down in Girgarre but I also played a lot of footy with him down at Torquay Football Club as well.
“We really enjoy playing together and the fact that all three of us get to play together, it will be a special moment but great for the footy club as well.
“When Brett played against Numurkah a couple of rounds ago, we won really well, and I think some of his knowledge and communication at the ground set us up.”
“With the competition being so close this year, I feel like it's just going to be a matter of centimetres sometimes in terms of wins and losses so it's an exciting time for the Murray Football League but an exciting time for Tongala Football Club, too.”
Tongala is one of six sides with a 3-2 record through five rounds, and a win against 1-4 Rumba would take it a step closer to separating it from the pack.
On the A-grade netball court the Tonny-Rumba clash shapes as one of the most enticing of the season, with the two undefeated sides in the competition set to do battle.
With six teams sitting at 3-2 on the footy ladder, Moama, by virtue of its win over Tongala in senior football, finds itself in outright second with a 4-1 record.
The Magpies appear likely to consolidate that position as they travel to winless Barooga in round six.
Moama’s A-grade netball side pushed defending champions Tongala throughout the first half and will be optimistic for the remainder of their season having suffered their two losses so far to the aforementioned undefeated Tonny and Rumba.
A match-up against a Hawks team rooted to the bottom of the table, and with a dismal 39.6 per cent, should serve as a rebound fixture for the Magpies as they push into mid-season.
At Echuca South Recreation Reserve, Echuca United will host Nathalia in what shapes up as another tough fixture for the Eagles.
The home side has yet to log a win this season while Nathalia is one of the many teams at 3-2.
Echuca United’s A-grade netball side has managed a draw and four losses in its season so far.
It will face another tough test against a Nathalia side that is 4-1 for the year.