MURRAY Magpies star Jesse Johnston believes the club is well placed for a crack at the top-two.
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With the side winning its last six matches, Johnston said the line-up now had the confidence to take on any side in the competition.
It’s the first time the in-form ruckman has felt that way since arriving at Urana Road Oval five seasons ago.
“In my first two years we won a game each season,” Johnston said.
“Then when ‘Lambo’ (Corey Lambert) came on we won seven and last year we made finals so we are slowly getting there.
“This year we have a bit more experience and have taken another step.
“The last six weeks we have been playing four-quarter footy with our team defence being really good.”
CDHBU, Murray Magpies and Jindera are locked on 32 premiership points with the Magpies taking on the Power on Saturday.
Recent history suggests it will be a thriller.
CDHBU has won their last four matches by two, 15, four and nine points while the Magpies won the previous battle by four points in 2013.
“We have a pretty good rivalry with them going back to the old Coreen league days,” Johnston said.
“Everyone wants the double chance and week off.
“There are no easy games and we play CDHBU, Jindera and BB Saints in the run home which will tell us where we’re at.”
In a side loaded with experience from the Ovens and Murray, the 25-year-old has been one of the stars for coaches Josh Maher and Corey Lambert.
He says the explanation is simple.
“Moving back to the ruck has helped me,” he said.
“You get a bit of freedom.
“There aren’t too many ruckmen who follow other ruckmen around and I enjoy getting back to help the backmen.”
Jindera will be looking to redeem itself for an opening round loss to Osborne when they lock horns at Jindera.
The Bulldogs have been winning without several of their key players including Josh Walker and Michael Galvin and they should get the job done again in what shapes as a dour slog on the heavy ground.
Holbrook take on Billabong Crows at Holbrook.
Both teams are coming off hefty defeats and the loser will be in danger of losing touch with the top six.
The class of Al Austin in defence and return of Tom Conlan in attack could give the Crows the edge.
Brocklesby-Burrumbuttock should be too strong for Lockhart and Howlong’s home advantage will be telling against Culcairn.
Meanwhile, Crows’ youngster Zachary Kerr is the Suncorp Rising Star of the round.
