He’s well aware that Saturday’s game against East Wagga-Kooringal will be a tough assignment, against one of the form players in the competition.

Hawks’ big man Nick Hull has played a key role in EWK’s unbeaten start to the season.

Molkentin’s first sighting of Hull in action will be an up-close-and-personal view at Gumly Oval.

He said his opposite number has a reputation that precedes him.

“I haven’t seen him play but I’ve heard a bit about him – that he’s a very good ruckman and very good around the ground,” Molkentin said.

“Hopefully it’ll be a good contest and I’m looking forward to it.”

After two seasons with Lavington in the Ovens and Murray League, including three senior games, Molkentin made the switch to play under his brother Matt at Marrar.

Nick’s made a big impression in his first two games but said he doesn’t take anything for granted in a new league.

“The week before, I find out who the ruckmen are and who the midfielders are and try to get a bit of a feel for how they play,” he said.

“I do my homework on them, for sure.”

Molkentin had a fierce intitiation when the Bombers opened their season with a win over Coleambally, where he came up against new Blues coach Josh Hamilton and a league medallist in Dean Pound. 

Last week, he was named best on ground in a losing team when Marrar were overrun by The Rock-Yerong Creek in the Anzac challenge.

“It’s been good so far, we’ve played two pretty good sides – both very physical, it’s been pretty red-hot,” Molkentin said.

“I thought we were good for three quarters (against TRYC), just the last quarter they flexed their muscles a bit.

“But I like our game style, we’re playing an attacking brand of footy and it’s exciting to be a part of.”

Molkentin said he’s enjoyed the chance to go forward when his brother relieves him in the ruck. 

There are certainly similarities with his namesake at the Hawks. 

Nick Hull kicked four goals against North Wagga last week, including three in the last 25 minutes of play to help get his side home. 

Hull presented a big target forward for EWK, alongside prolific goalkicker Marc Geppert, whose seven goals last week took him to within touching distance of a major milestone.

Geppert is just nine short of bringing up 1000 goals in senior games in AFL Riverina competitions.