The former side is desperate to hang on to the top four spot they won thanks to last weekend's forfeit victory over Bathurst Souths, the two blues played an unregistered player and the 2-1 result in their favour was made void as a result, while the latter is gunning for their first victory in Saturday's third round.

"There's always a bit of feeling against Confederates, they're normally fired up for some argey-bargey," Ex-Services assistant coach Daryl Kennewell said.

"Local derbies are good games in all sports, hotly-contested by athletes and coaches that are familiar with each other. This will be no different," Confederates coach Fiona Reith agreed.

Saturday's clash, on face value, looks an even-money bet too.

Ex-Services suffered a 1-nil loss to CYMS the week before last weekend's clash with Souths, while Confederates are coming off a 1-nil loss to Lithgow Panthers after being downed by Bathurst St Pat's in round one.

The blue and golds are still coming together under new coach Michelle Barrett and Kennewell's guidance, while Confederates remain typically-focused on junior development as much as results, with youngsters Lily Erskine, Emily Gould, Issy Howarth and Charlottte Heath all being welcomed into the Premier League fold.

"We've been going along quite well and doing what we want with structures, after not having a coach last year we sat them down and explained it, it's something they've accumulated over the pre-season," Kennewell said of his troops.

"We always want to judge ourselves on what we do on the pitch ... if we're playing well the results will look after themselves."

"We are bringing through a few juniors again and we haven't had the full team on the field yet," Reith said.

"The first two games were tough against both the grand finalists from last year so to only lose by one goal, we're taking that as a positive. It gives us a lot to work towards and the girls will be keen to get some game continuity as we haven't played a lot of hockey yet."

Reith went on to give Ex-Services plenty of praise, after a somewhat lowly year in 2018 they've looked every bit a finals-bound side in the opening two rounds and she said as much.

"I think they will win more than they will lose this season. They have a lot of depth and experience in their ranks this season," she said.

The blue and golds will be helped immensely by the returns of Sarah Barrett, Lily Baker and Danielle Hart as well, with Alison Baker and Chloe Barrett both a chance to come back into the side as well.

None played against Souths last week, making the side's effort all the more impressive considering they had the bare minimum 11.

Ex-Services and Confederates face-off from 12.30pm.