Local football takes a back seat this week as the association takes on Mid West at Lock in this year’s interleague fixture.

Flinders look set to be minus some big names with the likes of Michael Curtis, Simon Pedler, Chris Prime and Craig Curtis all missing through injury and unavailability, but they still look to have a strong and balanced side.

Coach Darren Smith will look to seasoned campaigners in Mark Habner and Jimmy Holman, who have both had outstanding starts to the year, for big performances and to lead the side by example.

Saints forward Martin Baillie, who is new to the association, has been in solid form and consistently kicking goals, which may see him line up at full forward in the absence of Prime.

Baillie has strong hands and leads well, which will provide the Great Flinders onballers with a strong target.

Blues onballer Paul Jefferson will also play an important role through the midfield, along with Brad Wake from Lock and Shawn Fitzgerald, who has been in sparkling touch with his local club Ramblers.

Young players such as the courageous Daniel Wedd from Cougars, Ricky Skinner, Luke Northcott and Seth Myers have plenty of talent and will be looking to cement themselves in the side for the upcoming Mortlock Shield.

Tumby Bay backman Jacob Cave may line up across the half back line, possibly in the key post, which will see him required to perform a big task against a talented Mid West forward line.

Mid West is a proud association, and with the game at Lock the travel factor is some what diminished.

They will see this as an ideal opportunity to test themselves against one of the EP’s strongest associations in Great Flinders, and expect a tough and bold showing from the Mid West boys.

The loss of key players will hurt Great Flinders, but they look to have enough talent and depth to cover this and should run out winners over Mid West in a hard fought encounter.