Nathan Cooper will look to spearhead the O and M in Saturday's away clash against Mornington Peninsula Nepean

The 21-year-old also earned Rising Star nominations in successive years after blanketing former Brisbane forward Jono Freeman and keeping five-time NEAFL leading goalkicker Darren Ewing goalless.

The hulking 195cm, 94kg key position defender says he's derived confidence from playing at the higher level.

"Yeah, I think it does, I don't need to be too stressed or worried who I'm going to come up against because I know I've had, in the past, the ability to play well against whatever quality forward the opposition has," Cooper said.

The Wangaratta Rovers' recruit and Wangaratta defender Jamie Anderson will be out to shut down dynamic duo Harry Prior and Keegan Downie.

The latter is extremely athletic with the ability to mark the ball at its highest point, a la O and M's Josh Porter.

Downie has superb hands, is capable of taking a hanger and is a confidence player who can tear teams apart.

Prior has been named at centre half-forward, although he rucks for Frankston.

He's also athletic and is a strong contested mark, who loves the physical contest.

Cooper has been one of the standouts for the rejuvenated Hawks and like so many good players, has time and looks like he has something in reserve.

The former Sydney Uni star is enjoying the O and M, but says it's not as hectic as the NEAFL.

"I don't feel like I've been anywhere near as stressed or worried that the key forward will get on top."

The winner of the match in Rosebud will play in the AFL Victoria one versus two game next year.