The local derby promises to be a thriller, with both teams showing good form in recent weeks.

The match doubles as Wellington’s Ladies Day and players and supporters are encouraged to bring their partners along for the social occasion at Bicentennial Park, Montefiores.

The Goats have been the benchmark team of the competition, going undefeated through the first seven rounds. A draw against second-placed Molong was a minor blip in an otherwise flawless start to the year.

The Redbacks have found it tougher, but sit in fourth place with four wins from seven games and have found better form recently.

The first match between the teams was a one-sided affair with the Goats walking away 27-0 victors but Geurie coach Paul Hausia said he was expecting it to be closer this time around.

“The local derbies are always quite physical and Wellington has improved a lot since then,” he said.

“Clubs like Wellington and Yeoval are quite dangerous. Yeoval pushed us in the last round and I think Wellington are stronger than them.”

Redbacks coach Snow Brien said his men were looking to push their more fancied rivals all the way.

“It would be nice to put in a good account of ourselves and really challenge Geurie. We think they can be beaten but we will need to be at our best,” Brien said.

He said his team would put in some tough work at training this week to prepare for the competition leaders.

A general bye last week means both teams will be well rested and players had a chance to rest niggling injuries, both coaches said.

Hausia said he would have preferred no bye, to allow his team to continue their momentum but said every team was in the same position.

Brien said he hoped a good crowd would come to the match and encouraged all past and present players, and their partners, to the match and the post match function at the Lion of Waterloo Tavern.

The match between Wellington and Geurie kicks off at 2.30pm on Saturday.