After slumping to their first loss of the season last weekend, Higgins expects a vastly improved showing against the TAC Cup premiership favourite.

“As a club we disappointed with the result last week,” Higgins said.

“In tough conditions we were not smart enough moving the ball into our forward line.

“We had more inside 50s and won the contested football but made some poor decisions against a very good defensive system that Calder were able to set up.

“We have had a good week on the training track, the energy was really infectious and, with a couple of lads making their debut this week, the coaches are confident of a very good performance on our home ground.”

Yarrawonga’s Ryan Bruce and Barooga’s Daniel Johnston have been selected after strong performances in the Ovens and Murray and Murray leagues.

Wodonga Raider Matt Neagle also returns to the line-up.

Jy Lane (Corowa-Rutherglen), Harry Boyd (corked hip) and Alex Paech (NSW commitments) have dropped out of the side.

“’DJ’ is a strong young man who at 195cm provides a real presence in the forward half,” Higgins said.

“He’s a developing player who has worked hard since November and we are looking forward to seeing him compete at this level.

“Ryan has some real talent and is a real running machine.

“He is one of the better athletes in the squad and has been a very good junior footballer at Yarrawonga.”

Dandenong is the only undefeated team in the TAC Cup while the Bushrangers dropped to fourth spot after last weekend’s hefty loss.

The Bushrangers have 16 players unavailable this week due to injury, national championships and school football.

Max Lynch, Zac Sproule, Fletcher Carroll, Paech and Todd Marshall have NSW-ACT commitments.

The match starts at 1pm.