Thompson, who was moved into the role when Jesse Johnston went down with a knee injury, outpointed Oates when the teams clashed last month.

But the bigger ground and expected drier track will make the former Wodonga star’s job more difficult on this occasion.

“He did the job last time and we'll back him in again,” Maher said.

“It’s probably the fittest I have seen him.

“He’s nearly back to his playing weight in the Ovens and Murray and is covering the ground well.”

While the experienced Murray Magpies line-up has been sensational this season, the biggest query on them is their ability to play the Walbundrie ground.

Maher, who will return from a hamstring injury, said the key was pressure.

“John Roy-Williams and Nico Sedgwick love the outside footy so you have to be aware of those guys,” Maher said.

“The ground isn’t that big though.

“It looks bigger because the fences are a fair way back from the boundary.

“We need to put the pressure on and tackle hard because we know they will come out a better team than when we played them last time.

“They are last year’s premier and last year’s premier for a reason.

“We’re ready for the challenge.”