Only percentage separates the eighth and ninth-placed teams going into the penultimate round of the season with Bushrangers coach Darren Ogier confident in his line-up’s preparation.

“The energy within the group is good,” Ogier said.

“They realise what is at stake and we have committed to playing finals football.

“This is an elimination final.

“It’s a real bonus that the squad will head down to Melbourne on the Friday night to prepare for the game.

“We will have a light run on the Box Hill City Oval on Friday afternoon before finalising our preparations.

“It’s a great opportunity to spend time together before the game.”

While the Bushrangers will be without VFL pair Dan Howe (Richmond) and Isaac Muller (Essendon), they welcome back Mooroopna trio Jy Simpkin, Nathan Drummond and Michael Reidy.

The side will also be boosted by hard-running midfielder Jake Marshall (Deniliquin) and key position player Ryley Sharp (Myrtleford).

Young gun Will Brodie, from Notre Dame, will also debut.

He progressed through the Bushrangers under-16 squad earlier in the season before playing for Victoria Country in the national titles.

His form during that carnival earned him an invitation into the AFL Academy Program as one of the top 25 juniors in the country.