The Brookers alongside Osborne have the two youngest and most exciting lists in the competition.

Both sides remain undefeated after four rounds and clash on Saturday at Holbrook in what may be an early grand final preview.

While the Brookers boast plenty of experience in coach Matt Sharp, Luke Gestier and Andrew Dear, Ross said it has been the early season form of the club's junior talent that has been instrumental in emerging as a flag threat.

Former juniors in Ross, Ewan Mackinlay, Lachie and Will Holmes and Corey McCarthy have all taken their game to another level this season.

Mackinlay, 17, is only in his second season of senior football after making his debut in 2019.

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The clever small forward bobbed up with six goals against Rand-Walbundrie-Walla last week with his pace and goal sense proving a handful for most defences.

"We are pretty lucky to have so many talented juniors coming through at the same time," Ross said.

"The two Holmes' boys, Lachie and Will, Corey McCarthy and Ewan Mackinlay have all been in good form.

"Ewan in particular has only played a handful of senior games but has been a real standout.

"I think last weekend was only his eighth senior match but he has adapted so well and looks like he has played more than 50 matches."

Ross plays predominantly on the wing and is in his fifth season of senior football including last year.

The 23-year-old said the arrival of Sharp in 2018 as coach had sparked the turnaround in the Brookers' fortunes after playing finals in both 2018-19.

"Sharpie has put a lot of faith in the kids since he arrived and I guess now he is starting to reap a few of the rewards," he said.

"He is always keen to promote the juniors and has been good in that regard.

"Sharpie has a bit of a different approach to coaching but is big on his structures.

"There is little doubt that he has been a huge part of why we are going so well at the moment."

Ross was looking forward to the league's toughest test on the weekend but had no idea who is likely opponent would be.

"We are more excited than nervous to be taking on Osborne," he said.

"We are playing with a fair bit of confidence at the minute so we are excited to see how we match-up against the flag favourites.

"I don't know who I will play on, Osborne rotate their players heavily."

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