The Bendigo, Heathcote District, North Central and Loddon Valley leagues will take the field in the annual AFL Victoria Country Championships weekend.

In the battle of 5 v 6, Bendigo will clash with arch-rival Ballarat at Ballarat’s Eastern Oval.

Bendigo coach Rick Ladson acknowledges the fierce rivalry between the two leagues, but says the major incentive for the Blue and Gold is the chance to take the next step and climb into the top four in the country rankings.

“Inter-league is always a great weekend and the boys know what’s at stake,” Ladson said on Friday.

“As a group, they have said from the first training session they are there to unite as one and take the league to the next level and give it everything they’ve got.”

The Queen Elizabeth Oval will host a double-header of inter-league action.

Loddon Valley under the guidance of coach Andrew Collins will be aiming to win its first inter-league game since 2011 when it takes on Alberton in the 25 v 26 match from 1.30pm.

That will be followed by Heathcote District, coached by Rick Coburn, meeting Central Murray at 4.15pm in the 17 v 18 contest.

And for the second time in three years, North Central, coached by Mark Lloyd, is on the road to take on Geelong District in the 19 v 20 battle at St Albans Reserve in Geelong.

Saturday’s inter-league action will also feature junior football, as well as netball.