In 53 confrontations since the Raiders were admitted to the league in 1989, the Bulldogs lead head-to-head battles 27-26.

But few have been more eagerly awaited than the clash between the competition’s most improved teams, with Wodonga coach Dean Harding expecting their rivals to come out firing.

“It’s a huge game for both clubs,” Harding said.

“We just want to continue what we have been doing.”

There will be plenty of interest in the clash between Wodonga ruckmen Sam Maher and Matt Seiter and Wodonga Raiders giant Hayden Heta.

Heta was set to return to his former club this season before having a change of heart and opting to line up alongside his brother, Dean, at Birallee Park.

“He made his choice and we have moved on,” Harding said.

Raiders coach Daryn Cresswell said it was important his team bounced back immediately from last weekend’s disappointing showing.

“We are going to have some inconsistencies coming from the base we are coming from, but you don’t want to make the same mistakes two weeks in a row,” Cresswell said.

“Hopefully we learnt from the North Albury game.”

The match starts at 3.15pm.