Gippsland remain winless after two games and is in desperate need of a positive result to get the ball rolling for season 2009.

The Power was beaten convincingly in last Saturday's encounter with the Geelong Falcons at Skilled Stadium, with Geelong running home 40 point winners (15.7.97 to 7.15.57).

Although the Power players battled hard they were clearly outplayed by a more committed Geelong side which remain undefeated after only two games.

Although Gippsland has been far from impressive in their defeats by Dandenong and Geelong, they will head into this week's game with a bit of confidence knowing that there is plenty of room for improvement.

Key forwards Jack Weston and John Butcher are slowly gaining fitness after injury interrupted pre-seasons and their performances should improve as the weeks go by.

Leongatha youngster Dyson Heppell has been a revelation across half back and through the midfield averaging 17 possessions per game, while taking on board major responsibilities in place of the injured Campbell Heath.

Gippsland will again be missing captain Koby Stevens due to AIS commitments but the likes of Mitch Golby, Russell Lehman and co-captain Edward Carr should be able to cover his absence in the midfield.

Although the Power has had a less than impressive start to the 2009 season, the Power players should be able to account for the Rebels provided they can get the ball to their quality tall forwards on a regular basis. Winning the midfield battle looms as the key to victory this week for the Power.

North Ballarat Rebels v Gippsland Power, Saturday 3pm, at Queen Elizabeth Oval, Bendigo.