A LOT has changed since Nick Holman last played at Jindera in 2008.
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Brock-Burrum is now a powerhouse, Walla has merged with Rand-Walbundrie and the Murray Magpies have some of the best facilities in the Hume League.
The biggest change, though, is how even the competition is.
While the Bulldogs handed out their fair share of beltings in winning the 2008 flag, Holman said lop-sided victories would be a rarity in the race for the 2016 premiership.
“Every game now is vital just because of how close the competition is,” the former North Albury player said.
“You’ve got Brock-Burrum up on top, and they can be pushed as well, but everyone below them is fighting for every win.
“They’re do-or-die games right from the start of the season.
“The comp has definitely changed, it has definitely improved. You can see skills-wise and tactics within the comp have changed.
“It’s not country footy where you just bang it down the line and kick it to the contest. The way it is structured has definitely improved since I was there eight years ago.
“Guys can’t be resting on their laurels and hoping for easy kicks, because it’s a hard-running comp and you have to work.”
Holman will play his third match for the season against Henty on Saturday after overcoming a calf injury while his brother Kris is battling a foot injury. Coach Josh Walker remains in doubt with a hamstring complaint.
The Bulldogs and Swampies will battle it out for the Mal Singe Memorial Trophy, where the clubs will raise money for the McGrath Foundation and Motor Neurone Disease Australia.
The Murray Magpies will take on the toughest assignment in the competition when they travel to Brocklesby to take on Brock-Burrum.
The Nick Brockley-inspired Saints stormed over the top of Jindera last start and should be too strong for the Magpies, who have been impressive in the opening month of the season but have just fallen short of finalists CDHBU and the Bulldogs.
CDHBU will be hoping to return to the top six when it hosts Howlong at Coreen.
The Power finished full of running against Henty but will need to stop lightning-quick duo Dion Munkara and Clement Kerinaiua against the in-form Spiders.
Football returns to Walla for the first time since Rand-Walbundrie-Walla was formed, with the Giants hosting Culcairn.
Lockhart faces a challenge to make it back-to-back victories against the in-form Billabong Crows at Lockhart.
Osborne and Holbrook will look to stay in touch with the top six at Osborne.
