The Hawks are generally one of the taller Farrer League teams, but have been without a number of big men over recent weeks.

Young tall Nick Hull is unlikely to return to the field this season, but coach Chris Jackson, Mark Parr and Trent Garner are all in line to return on Saturday at McPherson Oval.

Last year, the Hawks were able to use the extra height to their advantage against smaller teams and Jackson is looking forward to utilising the talls tomorrow.

“It does affect us, losing that height,” Jackson said.

“With Nick (Hull) going down early in the year and probably not coming back, and myself out with injury we have found it hard to fill those key positions.

“I’m ready to go this weekend, and Mark Parr and Trent Garner should be right this weekend.

“With those guys coming back we can start to get some height back into the side.”

The Hawks and the Saints will come together for a classic hometown rivalry clash this weekend at North Wagga’s home ground.

EWK holds the wood on its old foe this season, downing the Saints by 23 points in round six.

But that margin could have been far worse for North Wagga as the Hawks kicked 7.14 – six of those behinds coming in a stray third quarter.

“We need to get back to the basics, that’s when we play good football,” Jackson said.

“If we move the ball quickly and win the contests we should play well.

“We have about 12 blokes out of the first grade team that will be coming back, so that will put pressure on players to impress.”

Tomorrow’s clash could prove one of the most important of the season for both clubs.

The Hawks sit in third spot – above the Saints on percentage – but both teams are in a battle with Marrar and Charles Sturt University to finish in the top five and play finals.

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