The Grasshoppers have only beaten the Emus once since the formation of the LPFL, way back in 2000.

Navarre will have to sweep aside a disappointing start to the season to match it with the second placed Skipton on its home turf, needing more from its band of under-performing recruits.

Key forward James Devery returns from an ankle injury tomorrow and will join Louis Hannett and Luke Bibby after missing in the Grasshoppers' loss to Illabarook in round four.

However, new recruit Brenton Potter will miss the rest of the season after having surgery on a broken ankle last week. Potter injured the ankle against the Bulldogs and this is a major blow to the Navarre forward line.

Nathan Ringing is a doubtful starter tomorrow with a quadricep injury.

Senior joint coach Ben Martin, who was named the LPFL's best in its two point interleague loss on Saturday, said the make-up of tomorrow's team would hinge greatly on the weather.

``We might go for a smaller line up if it is going to be wet,'' Martin said.

``They are a good team, but they don't like pressure so that's going to be our main focus.''

Martin was also calling for a more disciplined performance from his charges tomorrow to match it with one of the league's premier teams.

Ararat Eagles host Illabarook tomorrow at Alexandra Oval.

Illabarook had a good win two weeks ago against Navarre and will be looking to string two wins together.

Last week's break for the interleague match might not have done the Bulldogs any favors, but that still should not stop them.

The 2007 elimination finalist has had a mixed season so far.

Disappointing games against Rokewood-Corindhap and Lexton surrounded a promising game against Carngham-Linton.

Its opening win last start might just be the tonic to get its season going forward.

The Eagles results have not been what they would have wanted.

To keep plugging away is what is needed and who knows what might happen.

The Eagles pushed Lexton in round four at home last year and it would be great to see them do the same tomorrow.

A win, though, might be beyond them.

Speaking of Lexton, what a difference a year can make.

A shocking year in 2007 is being wiped from memory as the Tigers climb the ladder.

Although the Tigers have played Skipton, all other opponents have been down the ladder.

Currently third, they will be looking forward to tomorrow's match against reigning premier Carngham-Linton, as it will show Lexton where it is in the big scheme of things.

Natte-Bealiba gets a chance to test itself against improved Rokewood-Corindhap.

Not that the Swans will be worried about how the Grasshoppers have got better, rather concerned with their form leading into the match.

With only one win (against Navarre in round three) to its credit, Natte-Bealiba is in danger of losing touch with the top three.

Its defence will be under constant pressure against the multi pronged Grasshopper attack.

While on the defences, Rokewood-Corindhap has not got the best in the league, but it has one that sticks to its guns and will again help the Grasshoppers to another win.