Despite the fierce rivalry between the goldfields cities, North Ballarat has dominated many VFL contests.

The ledger stands at 18-2 the Roosters’ way leading into the round 21 contest.

Bendigo kicked off this season by scoring a 27-point win on the Roosters’ turf at Eureka Stadium in round two.

Since then the Roosters have kicked on for a 12-4 record to be third on the ladder, while the Bombers are seven with a 9-7 record.

Bendigo coach Shannon Grant said yesterday the Bombers would have to start a lot better than they did in last Saturday’s clash with Collingwood.

The Bombers were down by seven goals at quarter-time, but fought back to win at Victoria Park by five points.

“We have to be ready from the first contest,” Grant said of taking on the in-form North Ballarat.

“We cannot afford to give up a six or seven-goal lead to a team with as much experience and skill as North has.”

Playing in Bendigo for just the second time is an advantage the Bombers will want to capitalise on.

At two rounds to go, Bendigo is still a chance of climbing into the top four.

“There is a lot at stake in this match,” Grant said of Bendgio’s bid to beat the Roosters twice in a season for the first time.

“North Ballarat is a well-drilled and well-coached team,” Grant said of the Gerard FitzGerald-coached Roosters.

“A key for us will be the midfield battles.

“North Ballarat has a great ability to run and carry the footy, so we have to minimise how often they do that,” Grant said.

“We will aim to play attacking football, especially through the corridor, and to get the ball into our forward line as quickly as we can.”

A Bombers attack that includes the marking strength of Matt Little, Scott Gumbleton, Tory Dickson and Ariel Steinberg will test North Ballarat’s defence.

“I believe we have the forward line to test any team in the competition,” said Grant.

“It’s important not just to have a lot of supply, but quality delivery to our forwards.”

As Essendon’s injury toll decreates, the Bombers’ selectors face some tough calls as to who plays and who does not.

“Josh Freezer, Tom Campbell and Shane Biggs are all in the mix to play this week,” Grant said.

This Saturday’s battle between the Bombers and Roosters at the QEO starts at 2pm.