Only percentage splits the two teams in fourth and fifth spot on the ladder and both will come in on the back of good wins last weekend.

Hodge rates the Lions game as one of his team’s bigger ones for the year.

“We’ve got to win it. We’ve got to get the wins against these sides that are close to us on the ladder,” Hodge said.

“It’s going to be pretty close for the last two spots in the five so these games are pretty crucial.”

Hodge and key forward Daniel Muir have both been cleared to play after niggling injuries last weekend.

Tyh Evans is a late withdrawal for the Crows after being called up by the Giants’ NEAFL team.

Tom Meline has been named at centre-half-forward for the Crows and Hodge said they are keen to try that at some stage during the contest.

“Whether he starts there or not, we’ll decide (on Saturday) but we might try and make it three mobile forwards up there and see how we go from there,” Hodge said.

Hodge said Mason Dryburgh has an important role to play in negating the influence of Jacob Olsson.

He expects the Lions to be hard to beat.

“You expect a little inconsistency from teams with a new coach, new game plan and new cattle,” he said.

“They’ve got some quality players and it all starts with the big man in the middle.

“They’re a quality side and it doesn’t matter where both sides are on the ladder, it’s never an easy game against Ganmain.”