The Hawks, who are flying under new coach Leigh Ramsdale, will unleash the gun midfielder for the first time in Saturday’s crunch clash with Finley.

Ramsdale said he wasn’t expecting miracles from Liddell in his first game.

He hasn’t played at all this year because of hip problems.

“There’s no doubt he’s underdone at the moment, so we’re not setting any big goals,” Ramsdale said.

“He’s a professional, though, and obviously played some good footy.

“He’s got to get through training, which I’m sure he will, and will be a real asset for us.”

The Hawks will also regain Tim Hargreaves from suspension this week.

Ramsdale said Barooga was looking forward to taking on the Cats.

“No doubt,” he said.

“It should be a good test to see where we are at.

“They obviously have been around the mark for the past few years and are again.

“We’re looking forward to the challenge.”

Finley coach Damian Sexton said the Cats were treating Saturday’s contest like a final.

“You’ve got to,” Sexton said.

“Until you play everyone, you don’t really know where you are at, do you?”

Sexton said the Hawks would certainly provide plenty of challenges for his side.

“They’ve recruited a fair few good players and it will be a really good test for us,” he said.

“They’ll be pretty well drilled, I reckon.”

In other games this week, Deniliquin Rams’ season is just about on the line when it hosts Moama.

Elsewhere, Nathalia will give itself every chance at home against Rumbalara.

Mulwala should have too much firepower for winless Tongala, with ladder leader Echuca United sure to be too strong for Numurkah.

Winless Cobram gets its best chance to get off the bottom of the ladder when it hosts fellow struggler Congupna.