Jones will stay home for the birth of his second child, passing on the responsibility to assistants Matt Campbell and brother, Mitch.

"I said to Matty it's a free hit, they're the top side," Jones laughed.

"If you go down there and knock them off, I probably lose my job and if you don't it's no worries.

"I'd rather be playing the top side if I'm taking over for the first time than the bottom side because you're expected to win against the bottom side.

"Our pre-game is very similar every week and Matty Campbell has got a lot of experience, so the boys will be fine.

"It will be probably be a breath of fresh air not to have me there (laughs)."

Murray has received a boost ahead of the clash with mid-season signing Aaron Midon receiving international clearance to debut for the Border club.

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"It came through on Monday morning would you believe, it just couldn't get done over the weekend," Jones revealed.

"He's jumping out of his skin and been training well.

"He's literally the first to training and the last to leave with every session.

"He's so committed and so keen and we'll get to see him this weekend.

"Until you get out into the real thing, I guess it's hard to tell somewhat.

"I think with his finishing and the way he's been training, you can tell he's got some real class about him.

"He seems to have all the tools and tricks and a really good change of pace.

"We're really confident he'll cause some headaches against Eastern Lions."

Jones added Murray has "an embarrassment of riches up top" with its wide range of forward options.

"Archie (Thompson) has found some really good form and is really fit, Tommy (Youngs) is one of the best players in the comp, Josh Zito was really good last week and obviously Zac Walker and Aaron," he said.

"We're really happy with where we're at and we're in the best shape we've been in for a while."

Former Socceroo Jade North is also available for selection.

"I think everybody walks a bit taller when Jade is in the side," Jones said.

Eastern Lions took down Murray United 4-0 at La Trobe in round one after three second half goals.

Murray is in seventh spot on the ladder, but only four points behind fourth-placed Langwarrin, so plenty could change by the end of the weekend.

Kick-off is 3pm at Gardiners Creek Reserve.