Pakenham will be tested again on a small ground with the Lions paying Belgrave a visit in round 13 of the Outer East Division 1 competition.
The Magpies are in good form, winning two out their last three games, a run which includes stunning Warburton Millgrove in round 10.
The Lions and coach Justin Stanton are keen to see how the outfit adjusts to the changed conditions and congested playstyle on a smaller deck.
“We’re mindful of how important next week will be against Belgrave at Belgrave,” Stanton admitted.
“They’ve been playing some really good footy and it’s on a small ground.”
Pakenham comes in atop the ladder, winning four straight games since the King’s Birthday break.
The versatile forward line will be the key to unlocking the conditions, with last week’s effort against Alexandra noteworthy.
Seven players booted a goal, a trend that has been common for Stanton’s men this season.
Belgrave is a solid all-around team, ranking in the top-four for points scored and sixth for points conceded.
If the Lions can find good options inside 50 and disperse the workload, it will make it difficult for the Magpies defenders to restrict scoring.
“It was a good prelude or preview against Alexandra for what we should expect next week,” Stanton said.
Pakenham cannot afford to get complacent or they will suffer a similar fate to the Burras earlier in the campaign.
Launching out of the backline and being efficient with the ball with the quality the Lions have should see Pakenham to four premiership points.
