Livewire Temora midfielder, Rob Krause, believes his team's best is good enough to knock off reigning premiers Marrar on Saturday, provided the Kangaroos can produce it.
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Temora haven't beaten the Bombers at Langtry Oval since 2014. That was the year 'Rooster' Krause made his senior debut, although he wasn't playing at Marrar that day, and was on the fringe when the team won a third straight flag later that year.
Five years on, Krause, 23, is enjoying his best season and has been a key figure in the Temora midfield, particularly early in the year. He said things have 'just gone right' this year as he's left his mark on more than a few games.
Sitting third, Temora are one win behind North Wagga and Marrar, whose young squad got the better of the home side at Nixon Park earlier this year.
"They've got a lot of good players and we've got to get on top of them," Krause said.
"We didn't play real well last time we played them but, I don't know, I think our best is better than their best, really.
"It'll be a hard game. They've got their experienced players but they've got good younger players too - that's probably what killed us last time."
Temora slipped up at Coleambally two weeks ago, where the Bombers also came unstuck earlier in the year. They were losses that could hurt in the long run, and both teams are chasing a top-three scalp to make amends as the battle for that second chance in finals intensifies.
Losing Colby Poole (ribs), Lachie Pellow (unavailable) won't help, while their leading goalkicker Matt Harpley (groin) was in doubt but has been named.
However, Krause has plenty of confidence in their options.
"Someone else will kick them (if he's out)," Krause said.
"Jacob (Turner), Jase Reid, Boyto (Charlie Boyton). We've got a few blokes who can kick them."
On the flip-side, ruckman Chris Stacey returns and for the first time Temora will have the ruck duo of Stacey and Joe Tegart against a Marrar line-up boasting Nick Molkentin and Matt Parks.
"Rex will enjoy having a second ruckman there. He's an old man now, Rex," Krause said.
"Joe will probably take a couple weeks to settle in but I think once he gets going he'll be real handy."
Krause is enjoying playing alongside good mate Gus McRae and says another defender, centre-half-back Max Richardson, has slotted in beautifully to fill Charlie Vallance's shoes.
He believes the Roos have been guilty of 'just getting the job done' too often but said Sam Jensen, who's been a good example for Krause, and Kieran Shea are starting to hit form.
Neither of them have won at Marrar either, in four years playing in the Farrer League.
And the Bombers have the benefit of bringing in assistant coach Cal Gardner and backmen Mitch Taylor and Drew Beavan for the game against their grand final rivals of 2017.
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