But, fresh from a bye, the Cats will be as eager as ever to prove their worth in the competition, having had two wins and two losses so far.

“We’ve freshened up and we’re looking forward to the challenge of meeting a side that’s undefeated,” Finley coach Andrew Richardson said.

“We haven’t played a top of the table side yet and they’re going to be hot favourites.”

Justifiably so.

Tongala’s forwards Paul Newman and Matthew Andrews have been in good form and will again prove hard to stop, with Newman leading the league’s goalkickers on 27.

“We’re just hoping our midfield will get the ball into our forward line and we’ll get more opportunities than they do,” Richardson said.

“They might be hot favourites but we go into every game feeling we’re capable of winning.”

Richardson said there were plenty of hard workers at the club, and the likes of Lachie Hawkins in the ruck and onballers Ned Morrison and Michael Littlejohn were consistent performers.

Playing co-coach Matt Jackson has also made a welcome return to form after a pre-season injury and has started to hit his straps which has helped to develop a strong team ethos.

Especially among juniors.

“We’re developing young players at the club — the junior program has been and continues to be strong,” Richardson said.