Despite making the past three grand finals, including an upset over red-hot Lavington in 2018-19, the Hoppers haven't claimed top spot since 2011-12.

North finished second three straight years from 2016-17, with Wodonga and Lavington splitting the last four honours.

With seven rounds left, North holds a one-match lead over Wodonga, which has had five draws due to wet weather.

The Hoppers and Bulldogs are long-time power clubs and boast a fierce rivalry.

"You always love playing tough games against good rivals," North paceman Jake Burge said.

The former Palm Beach (Gold Coast) first grader is in just his second year with the Hoppers, but has already played a decider against Wodonga in North's thrilling last-over T20 grand final win last summer.

He bolted to the early lead in wicket-takers this season, but has slowed with his first wicketless game against Belvoir after five straight one-wicket matches.

"My first two games after Christmas I bowled quite average to be honest, I bowled quite wide and a little bit short, it's definitely not my game, I'd much prefer to dot up the batsmen," he explained.

Burge will be gunning for Wodonga stars Bob Jackson and Tom Johnson, while Cam Suidgeest and Co. will be after North's boom recruit Matt Condon and Ash Borella at North's Bunton Park.

"All top order batsmen are the go-to guys, so you want to get a nice wicket off them and then work your way down the order," Burge offered.

"We've got a pretty hard draw (including Wodonga), we've still got to play Lavington last round, they smashed us last time and we've still got East Albury, plus New City will have their recruit (Shoaib Shaikh) back."

Meanwhile, Albury will host a Pink Stumps Day against Lavington.

Albury will have a ladies tea and is looking to make a fun day as it raises money for the McGrath Foundation and its Breast Care Nurses program.

It should be fun on the field too as Albury needs a win to keep in contact with the top six.

"If we win, we go back into finals by leapfrogging Lavington, but if we lose it (the top six) becomes a real challenge," captain Ross Dixon said.

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Elsewhere, Corowa must win at home against Tallangatta after claiming just one of its last seven games, East is home to Belvoir and Wodonga Raiders are home to New City.

The ladder is: North 57, Wodonga 51, St Patrick's 48, Belvoir 48, East 48, Lavington 45, Albury 39, Corowa 36, New City 33, Tallangatta 24, Wodonga Raiders 21.