It’s no secret there is no love lost between the two clubs and no matter what personnel represents the two teams on Saturday, it’s bound to be a physical contest.

Top spot on the ladder and the title as the only undefeated team in the competition is the prize for the victor.

"We've had some great battles with Strath in the time the club has been in the competition,'' Golden Square coach Nick Carter said.

"They clearly set a benchmark last year that we couldn't get to. We believe we have reset our side this year and added some really good people.

"That, together with some older guys that have played against Strath in the past, has us well placed to take Strath on.

"The guys are pumped and ready to go."

At the selection table, Golden Square resisted the temptation to rush back injured star duo Corey Jones (hamstring) and Travis Baird (knee).

"Trav is probably still a couple of weeks away, and Corey was close but he decided against playing and we trust him to make the right decision,'' Carter said.

On a positive note, midfield duo Jack Daley and Che Walls and premiership small forward Shaun Young return.

Strathfieldsaye will be without star forward Stephen Milne (ankle), while fellow forwards Tom Bartholomew and Sam Mildren also won’t play.

Midfield ace Sam Heavyside makes a surprise return to his home club after not being selected to play in the VFL with Essendon.

David Gallagher also returns to the Storm’s midfield rotation after missing last week’s win against Eaglehawk.

New signing Chris Kelf will make his debut for the Storm in the ruck.

“Playing Golden Square at home is always tough,’’ Storm coach Darryl Wilson said.

“Our aim is to start well and keep the intensity up because we know we’re going to be hit hard by Square.

“Defensively, I think Golden Square is as strong as it gets in the competition, so it’s going to be a good test for our forwards and for how well we kick the ball inside 50.

“We know how good Golden Square is and how tough it’s going to be.”

In other matches on Saturday, an improved Castlemaine side will fancy its chances of toppling Gisborne at Camp Reserve, Sandhurst should be too classy for QEO co-tenant South Bendigo, former Melbourne and Carlton midfielder Brock McLean will play for Maryborough in its home game against Kangaroo Flat and Eaglehawk hosts Kyneton at Canterbury Park.