As a curtain raiser for the mouthwatering battle, the four Hastings League women's sides will be in action as the Magpies take on Beechwood before the Marlins face the Blues.

Marlins men's co-coach Sam Drew is looking forward to the battle of the current competition leaders.

"The Blues are always tough and they have been one of the best in the competition for a number of years," Drew told the Argus.

"They are the only team to have beat the Long Flat Dragons, last year's premiers, this season. So we know we will need to turn up and be at our best."

Read more: Marlins put Magpies to the sword | Photos

Drew claims the Blues are an attacking side, which looks to spread the ball from sideline-to-sideline and acknowledges the team will have to improve its defensive awareness.

"They like to attack one edge and then quickly swing it to the other side and attack the opposite edge," Drew said.

"It's really hard to defend against but we will have to be switched on and dominate the ruck to prevent it."

While Drew admits a victory would put them in the driver's seat as the premiership favourites, he believes the side has done enough this year to have already proved their credentials.

"I think we have already shown what we are capable of this year and that we can beat anyone," Drew said.

"But we need to keep winning so it's important in that sense to come away with a victory on Saturday."

Kick off times for Saturday at Smithtown oval:

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