The Dragons will venture to the Magpies’ nest at Sid Kallas Oval on Sunday knowing that a tough, sleeping-giant awaits them.

Cowra have been the big improvers in 2009, they finished last in 2008 with one win next their name, but this year they sit in fourth position following wins against CYMS and Hawks, and two draws against Panthers and competition frontrunners Lithgow Workies.

Mudgee Premier League coach Peter Hickman is not expecting a walk in the park like it was back in round one when Mudgee won 58-20 at Jubilee Oval.

“I’m very cautious of Cowra... we need to be on our guard otherwise they are going to be beat us.

“I said last week’s game [vs Panthers] was a danger game for us but I think this is even more dangerous,” Hickman said.

Hickman is no stranger to the 236km-road trip to Magpie territory as he has done it so many times as a player and coach.

“If you let the long trip to Cowra get to you, it then becomes very daunting,” he said.

Cowra had five players honourary selected for Group 10’s team of the week while Mudgee had three.

Halfback Tyler Nobes was one of the five players and he is considered as a danger man for Mudgee

“He has been playing some great football over the past few games but don’t forget we have a quality halfback ourselves,” Hickman added.

The Dragons’ mentor has made one significant change to the starting side for Sunday’s game.

Regular lock-forward Anthony Minahan will relive his under 18’s playing days by playing at hooker, he replaces Mat Stott who is still out with a broken hand and John Freebody with a shoulder complaint.

Hickman was made aware of Freebody’s injury yesterday morning and he contemplated a few replacements.

“I thought about moving Jared [Robinson] to hooker but he is an integral part of our attack and defence, and he has been playing so well in the number one jersey for the past two seasons.

“To put Anthony there is not a problem for me because I know what he can do. I coached him at the under 18’s level while he was playing hooker and I thought he was good enough to play for the country side,” Hickman said.

Hickman was happy with his team’s defensive ability last week, especially the last 20 minutes when Panthers had most of the possession and were hammering the Dragons’ line with attacking phases.

He said he wants that to continue and for his forwards to dominate the middle so the backs can have room to move and speed to burn.