Benalla All Blacks have surprised some of the league's more fancied teams and can move to second with a win at Bright on Saturday.

First-year coach Nicholas Spencer expects another tough hit-out against the in-form Mountain Men, but is set to welcome back some experienced heads in Chris O'Connor and Justin Gervasoni for the clash.

"We've got guys like Alistair Jacka and Chris O'Connor who are around 28, but we've got a heap of 18-year-olds," Spencer said.

"Our game against Whorouly, I think our average age was 22 and a half, so we are young, but we seem to be holding our own against more experienced sides."

ALSO IN SPORT:

Wind wreaked havoc on the All Blacks' clash against Tarrawingee last weekend with no goals in the first half.

"It was one of the worst games of footy I've ever been a part of," Spencer admitted.

"I don't think I've ever played a game where no-one kicked a goal in the first half.

"Our forward entries are something we made a bit of point of. We need to make sure we straighten up because a lot of our shots were from the pocket.

"We also need to make sure our forwards have plenty of movement."

Milawa meets Bonnie Doon, Tarrawingee hosts North Wangaratta, King Valley welcomes Goorambat, Whorouly takes on Greta, while Moyhu has the bye.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content: