After being written off last week as a major disappointment and an also-ran by everyone but the club?s most loyal fans, the Wangaratta Rovers have re-emerged as a genuine premiership threat after thumping Wodonga by 99 points.

The Hawks could even be considered favorites heading into Sunday?s derby, with ladder-leader Wangaratta suddenly faced with a long list of absentees.

Jarrod Hayse injured an AC joint against Yarrawonga last weekend, meaning the Magpies will lack firepower up forward with Jon Henry still sidelined with a back injury.

Ed Clarke?s unsuccessful showing before the tribunal on Monday night means he will join brothers Judd and Daine Porter as casualties of Wangaratta?s fiery round six match against North Albury, with the trio all suspended on striking charges.

The Hawks, meanwhile, have a list that is finally starting to resemble something close to full strength, with veterans Ross Hill and Matt Allen returning to the line-up against the Bulldogs, and star utility Karl Norman likely to resume after missing a week with a minor hamstring strain.

Forward Jesse Silver made a stunning return to form against Wodonga, slotting seven goals after being kept scoreless the previous week at Corowa.

Silver said the Hawks had maintained belief in themselves, despite slipping into bad habits earlier in the year.

"When you?re going out and playing one or two good quarters and then falling away, it?s easy to let it turn into a habit," he said.

"It was a psychological problem we?ve had during the season, but we always had that self-belief that we were good enough to beat the top sides.

"The win against Wodonga was great for the team - when the chips were down we stood up - and it will give us the confidence now to go forward and build on that result."

Silver praised the efforts of some of the Hawks? less-renowned players in Troy Walker and Andrew Hamilton, who he said led by example in the club?s best performance this season.

"Walker and Hamilton showed no mercy, they really stepped up and helped lift the team," he said.

"But the great thing about it was that it was such an even team performance - everyone played the role expected of them.

"That?s probably been the most frustrating aspect this year, everyone knows what?s expected, but it?s taken until now to produce it.

"We just have to hope it?s not too late."

Silver said Karl Norman was almost certain to play against the Magpies after missing the win against Wodonga, adding to the strength at the Hawks? disposal.

"I had a chat with Karl at the Saturday morning training session, and he said it was at the minor end of a grade one hamstring strain," he said.

"So the week off will have done him a lot of good, and he should definitely be right to play."

Silver said there would be no more excuses for the Hawks as they strive towards their first premiership since 1994, with Sunday?s derby providing the club with its first big step.

"We know what we?re capable of now, we?ve set the benchmark and we have to replicate that level of effort," he said.

"From now on there can be no tolerance, from the players and the supporters, of any performance significantly less than that.

"We couldn?t be better positioned to beat Wangaratta on Sunday, and we need to beat them if we want to be able to compete in the finals."

By www.nenews.com.au - By SCOTT ANDERSON