After starting with four straight wins, Melrose dropped its first game of the year in round five against the Savoys and have only picked up 11 points since.

Melrose goalkeeper Josh Fluss admitted it has been a common trend at this time of the season. 

“It did drop off pretty heavily, but on paper we have a very good squad, probably one of the better ones I’ve played in at Melrose,” Fluss said.

He believes former AWFA and Murray United products Ben Chaffey and Shane Ellwood have added an extra element to the squad.

“People gain confidence from them, Ben especially playing at the back because he controls things and would have to be one of the smartest players around,” Fluss said.

“Shane got best on ground in his first game and he’s only going to build.

“He puts a lot of pressure on himself, so the more he relaxes and enjoys it, the better off he’s going to be.”

Myrtleford co-coach Jayden Vescio knows the trip to Melrose is always tricky, but the confidence is high.

“We’ve probably kept the same starting 11 for the last four weeks,” he said.

“The start of the year we were all over the place.

“I think we had four different goalkeepers in the first four weeks and a lot of reserves players stepping up.”

Cobram takes on Boomers, Albury City hosts St Pats, Albury Hotspurs face Wangaratta, Albury United meet Twin City, while Diamonds clash with Wodonga Heart.