The Roos have lost the last two games by a combined margin of 23 points, but will almost start even money at home against an understrength Wangaratta Rovers.

"The defence and mids have been great, but when 'Doc' (Docherty) went out, we lost a bit of structure in the forward line that's hurt us, we're not rewarding the defence and midfield," forward Kaelan Bradtke suggested of the last loss to Wodonga Raiders by 17 points.

The Roos have been one of the feel-good stories of the first seven weeks, prior to the interleague bye and COVID forcing a month-long break.

After just the five wins in the four previous years, the club snared three wins from the five first games, with Docherty kicking eight against premiers Lavington in round five.

Following the successive losses to Yarrawonga (six points) and Raiders, the club sits outside the five by a win and slight percentage.

Rovers are third, while the Roos meet fourth-placed Myrtleford in a fortnight.

If they're to play finals, the Peter German-coached outfit will probably need to topple one of those to remain a genuine hope.

And with the Hawks missing six Melbourne-based players due to COVID restrictions into regional Victoria, there will be no better chance.

In a unique way, the circumstances have pushed this game to near match of the round status.

The Roos themselves are missing three Melbourne players in Tom Goodwin, Charlie Nastasi and Jason Marks, but Bradtke says the club has paid no attention to who's out at Rovers.

"We go into any game knowing that we can compete and we proved that against 'Lavi', I guess," he offered.

"It doesn't impact on us, they're still a great side, so we still prepare the same way you would if all the Melbourne players were there."

The Hawks are missing the league's best defender in Tyson Hartwig, but they still have a lethal defence with the added bonus of Werribee VFL big man Nathan Cooper's availability given the State League is yet to restart.

Throw in acting captain Cody Schutt and the 'quiet achiever' in Will Nolan and it will be difficult for the Roos to break through the defence.

However, the Hawks are also without their leading forward in Alex Marklew (due to COVID), so they will also face a test against the Roos' defence, led by veteran Kade Kuschert and the underrated Angus Lingham.

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Given Rovers are trying to hold off Myrtleford for a spot in the top three and the Roos need a win soon to rejuvenate their finals hopes, it should be a crackerjack clash between two desperate outfits.

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