This Saturday at Memorial Oval an inform North Whyalla take on league leaders West in what will be a very interesting clash and also a huge test for the Magpies to prove to the Whyalla football public just how much they have improved.

Their form of late has been good with a hard fought victory against Roopena and the annihilation of Central last week.

Can they take it up to the best side around at the moment?

I believe they can but it will have to be a total team effort for all four quarters of disciplined football.

Any lapse will see this Dragon unit kick goals quickly as they proved against Roopena last week.

A lot will depend on the midfield battle and centre clearances, as usual.

If the ‘Pies’ can achieve their share we know they have the forward potential to kick a match winning score.

The Dragon defence has been superb with Aaron Smith, Anthony Manfield, Scott Maitland and youngsters Tzanzoglou, Danzic keeping opposition forward lines to low scores and rebounding magnificently.

Maybe this will be where the game is won or lost.

No doubt ‘Pies’ coach Freddy Freeman will be aware of this and have his forwards well drilled to not let this happen.

West continue to impress and improve. The great thing about having so many youngsters is you don’t know how much improvement is still to come.

Players like Norman Everett, Arbon, Marshall, Gzona, Fargher, English Tzanzoglou, Danzic are all maturing at a rapid rate and are surrounded by some quality experienced players, which makes for a very good mix.

Norths have players in form, also including Trezise, Clothier, Menzies, Thomas, Prokopec to name a few.

Norths can go in confident but I am certainly not brave enough to tip an upset.

I do expect the Magpies to challenge and to make a statement this week, however.