Whorouly keen to bounce back after spirited display against reigning premiers

The Lions dropped the first two games by less than two goals, but have shown good signs since then and challenged flag favourite Milawa last week before the Demons eventually got on top.

Benalla All Blacks await this weekend who sit third with four wins from five, but there's only two games between third and eighth on the ladder.

"Every side is feeling like their footy is good enough and they're beating anyone on their day," Kneebone said.

"It makes this game for us against Benalla really important and they'll view it exactly the same.

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"Our pressure and intensity early was really good (last week), but they were a bit better outside the contest and we weren't as accountable in the second quarter.

"Our area of growth is being able to sustain that level of intensity and pressure for the entire game.

"We took a fair few positives out of that game that our brand can stack up against the good sides."

Sam Ferguson and Jack Lunardi will return to the side if they pass fitness tests after missing against Milawa.

Also this weekend, Bright plays host to King Valley, Greta takes on fellow finals contender Goorambat, Moyhu welcomes the unbeaten Milawa, Tarrawingee clashes with the in-form Bonnie Doon, while North Wangaratta has the bye.

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