AUSSIE RULES: A strong contest with a dose of friendly rivalry is expected to take place when Warwick Redbacks AFC take on the Goondiwindi Hawks at the weekend.

The last time the teams met was in the Cardinal Cup in March, when Goondiwindi got the better of the Warwick side.

Redbacks president Ben Lubben said it was always a healthy competition when Warwick took on the Hawks.

"Both being regional outlying clubs we've faced the same battles week in, week out, we seem to attract to each other that little bit more for that reason,” he said.

"In the past I'm always told it's a very hard game and fast-paced game, there's always a lot of contact in the games but always clean contact.”

The Redbacks had their first loss of the season two weeks ago, going down 44 to 72 against the South Toowoomba Bombers.

After a week's break, Lubben said the Redbacks were in for another tough contest, especially with key Goondiwindi player Jeremy Leahy marking his 250th game and the side celebrating ladies day.

"I think our biggest challenge this weekend will be the atmosphere out there against the home side,” he said.

A few players will also be missing from the Redbacks line up with Brent Walker still battling a knee injury, and Jack Fletcher suffering an injured shoulder.

"The two losses Goondiwindi have had has been against strong competition and it's their first home game that's just adding fuel to the fire,” Lubben said.

"We are aware of that and we're not going to take them lightly, we know they play hard footy.”

The match will be at 2.30pm at Riddles Oval, Goondiwindi.