A: It's no secret we have had a friendly draw but the way we have been performing has been pleasing. Hopefully this week against Howlong we can silence a few critics.

Q: You had a stack missing when Osborne gave you a touch-up in round six?

A: I think in the end we had 10 missing with injuries, COVID and holidays. It was disappointing it happened against Osborne but that's something out of our control.

Q: Do you expect to be closer to full-strength against Howlong this weekend?

A: I think we will be pretty close with the exception of Peter Cook and Jordy Hansted who are still not expected to return for a couple of weeks.

Q: On exposed form, is it fair to say that the Spiders are one of the most improved sides in the competition?

A: For sure, I remember they blew us out of the water when we played them last season and were probably stiff not to be Holbrook in round three. We won't be underestimating them.

Q: Big John Spencer's trademark strong grabs have been on display so far this season?

A: Big John has been on fire and whoever gets the match-up might have to pack a fire extinguisher. He has got one of the strongest sets of mitts in the comp and rarely misses a set shot.

ROUND EIGHT

SATURDAY, MAY 28

Osborne v Henty

Lockhart v Bill. Crows

RWW Giants v Culcairn

Jindera v Magpies

Holbrook v CDHBU

Howlong v Brock-Burrum

ALSO IN SPORT

HOWLONG v BROCK-BURRUM

Intriguing match-up with the Spiders arguably the most improved side in the competition while it's hard to get a gauge where the Saints sit in the Hume league pecking order after predominantly playing the lesser lights of the competition. On exposed form and the home ground advantage the Spiders will start favourites and should be able to get the job done.

Verdict: Howlong by 17 points

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