The Lavington pacemen missed last year's CAW Provincial competition after rupturing his ACL while playing football for Hume league side Holbrook.

But now Tassell is back and loving every minute of it.

"I missed it a lot last year," he said.

"So much so to the point where I didn't really enjoy going down to watch.

"It's good to be back around the boys."

While Tassell admitted he may have started slow after returning from injury, he's now finding his rhythm.

"As we've gone on things have sort of clicked and fallen into place, particularly in the last couple of weeks," he said.

Tassell believes the competition is possibly the strongest he's seen it for the last five years.

"I don't know whether that's due to the talent of some of the younger players coming through or some other clubs getting talent in," he said.

"But I think it's particularly impressive this year considering most clubs haven't been able to get imports in."

Lavington captain Michael Galvin said Tassell has made an impact for the side after coming back into the line-up.

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"He's really led the way with the ball," Galvin said.

The club has also welcomed the return of Chris Galvin and Matt Sharp this season, while youngster Luke Heagney has impressed in his debut.

"Luke's just come in and is finding his feet, but he's done a good job so far," Galvin said.

Lavington currently sit ninth in the competition with two wins.

The side is now looking to make improvements in all aspects heading into the new year.

"We're probably a bit lower on the ladder than we'd like to be at this stage, but hopefully we can turn it around in the next few weeks leading into Christmas," Galvin said.

"We just haven't been as good as we have been the last few years, which is disappointing, but I think we feel like we're not far away.

"Hopefully we can flip the switch this weekend."

Lavington will take on ladder leaders North Albury on Saturday.

Tassell is expecting a tough contest against the rivals at Bunton Park, but is optimistic the visitors will be able to turn their luck around.

"I think we've had a side over the last couple of weeks that's starting to play together a bit more," he said.

"It's beginning to get a bit more settled."

In other Provincial first grade matches this weekend, East Albury take on Albury at Alexandra Park, Wodonga Raiders clash with St Patricks at Birallee Park, Belvoir meet Tallangatta at Kelly Park and Wodonga host New City.

Corowa has the bye.