Koroit coach Chris McLaren says he's looking forward to resuming what has been a strong rivalry between his Saints and Port Fairy on Saturday at Gardens Oval.
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Koroit beat Port Fairy by one goal in last year's preliminary final, defeated the Seagulls by 21 points in the 2017 grand final and beat them by just five points in the 2016 preliminary final.
"No doubt there's a good rivalry there," McLaren said.
"We certainly respect their quality."
The match will be watched with intrigue given the Saints sit fourth and the Seagulls are fifth on the ladder.
Koroit is expected to be boosted by the return of forward Sam Dobson, who missed the past two matches with a corky he sustained in the round-five Portland match.
McLaren said he would be surprised if Dobson wasn't right to play. First-year Saint Rhys Raymond is also expected to return from a foot complaint.
Utility Damian O'Connor is a chance to return from a hamstring injury but the Saints will wait to see how feels.
McLaren said George Serra and Mac Petersen, who is an under 16s player, would again be right in the mix for selection.
McLaren said the Saints could be better organised against top teams.
He said that involved how they set up in the font of the ball from stoppages and how his forwards and backs positioned themselves in relation to the opposition.
First-year Port Fairy assistant coach Winis Imbi is new to the Saints, Seagulls rivalry but is well aware of the Koroit juggernaut.
"We know Koroit are the reigning premier and a quality side," he said.
The Seagulls will wait until the last moment to decided if injured star midfielder-forward Kaine Mercovich is fit to play. Mercovich copped a corky to his thigh and played just five minutes against North Warrnambool Eagles.
"He's a quality player we need to look after him," Imbi said.
Key forward Sam McCartney, who injured his calf against the Eagles, won't play. Youngster Lochie Gunning is a chance to return from a groin strain.
Imbi said Port Fairy took many positives from its one-point loss to North Warrnambool Eagles but needed to improve its defence.
"We've got to able to defend better," he said.
"We allowed North Warrnambool to kick some easy goals."
Imbi said the Seagulls were also focused on their improving their structures, ball movement out of defensive 50 and conversion in front of goal.
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