Following consecutive byes, the Mean Machine will hit the court for the first time since June 23 when they host the Demons.

Oddly for a team which has spent much of the season occupying a top-two spot, the Mean Machine have not won a game in nearly a month, their last win coming in emphatic fashion against Marong on June16.

But due to the quirk in this season’s draw, with Inglewood not fielding an A-grade team, Bridgewater has played just once since that win over the Panthers, resulting in a narrow two goal loss to Mitiamo on June 23.

In the meantime, Calivil United – which also had a bye last week - has gone from strength-to-strength, posting a pair of victories as part of an overall win-streak of six games.

The last time the Demons lost a game, it was against the Mean Machine 55-49 in round four.

Bridgewater’s loss to Mitiamo remains the Mean Machine’s sole defeat this season.

They had to be content to share the points against Newbridge in a round seven draw, but have rarely been troubled in their eight wins.

A win against the Demons would see the Mean Machine again climb into the top two and potentially into top spot on the ladder, depending on the outcome of Mitiamo’s clash against Pyramid Hill.

But having worked diligently to secure first place on the ladder, Calivil United won’t be letting go without a fight.

In the other game, Marong hosts Newbridge.

The Maroons start the weekend in fourth spot, two points ahead of reigning premiers Pyramid Hill.

Maiden Gully YCW, which has a bye, is a further four points back in sixth place.

Calivil United 9-2 (36 points); Mitiamo 9-2 (36); Bridgewater 8-1-1 (34:; Newbridge 6-3-1 (26); Pyriamid Hill 6-5 (24); Maiden Gully YCW 5-6 (20); Marong 3-8 (12); Bears Lagoon-Serpentine 1-10 (4).