Following a cancelled 2020 season, the Roos and Dragons will face off for the first time since their epic grand final at Dower Park on Saturday at 3.20pm.

Cowling believed the COVID-induced long wait had added an extra-dimension to a grand final rematch more than 19-months in the making.

"We still have that fire in the belly, we touched on it (Thursday) night that the last time we played Sandhurst it was in a grand final and we lost," he said.

"For those girls involved, it has been spoken about and they are so keen to get out there this weekend for another tough game against a quality opponent that we really respect.

"They are a great team, going for four (flags) in a row says it all. It's going to be a great challenge."

After sharing the points with Gisborne last week, Cowling said his new-look team was keen to prove themselves against a second-straight quality opponent.

"We do have a good mix of new players in the team, but in saying that, we have always matched up well against Sandhurst over the past few years, no matter how well we have been going," he said.

"We always have good battles. That gives us confidence, knowing we can match-up well in the key battles.

"We were disappointed we did draw with Gisborne last week, we've identified where we did go wrong in patches, but with that tough match-play under our belts, we know what we have to fix during those tough moments."

Cowling, who was this week announced as coach of the BFNL's open and 17-and-under teams for this year's Association Championships, has noted the great early-season form of several Dragons stars, most notably star wing attack Meg Williams and their classy young defensive trio of Imogen Sexton, Sophie Shoebridge and state under-19 player Ruby Turner.

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Sandhurst has looked every bit as classy and potent as it has in all three of its consecutive premiership years in posting big wins against Strathfieldsaye, Maryborough and Golden Square.

The Dragons - like the Roos - will relish a test of mettle against a bona-fide premiership contender as they continue their bid for a history-making fourth consecutive flag.

Meanwhile, Maryborough will be hoping a return to familar surrounds at Princes Park can kick-start its season.

The Magpies host Eaglehawk, with both sides looking for their first win of the season.

"This will be our first A-grade match at home and we always play well at home, so it's definitely one we must win," Magpies coach Alicia Cassidy said.

"The Gilmore (Ash and Abby) girls in attack will certainly make it tough for us."

In other games, 2019 season finalists South Bendigo and Gisborne clash at the QEO and Golden Square clashes with Strathfieldsaye. Kyneton has the bye.

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