Red V captain-coach Jack Littlejohn is a family friend of Mortimer's as the pair have known each other for nearly 30 years. They played alongside each other at Newton in 2012 but on Saturday, will go head-to-head for 80 minutes.

"I've known Jack since I was about five," Mortimer said.

"He's a smart footy player and he's going to have them running a good structure."

Mudgee is three-from-three to start the season, and while their draw hasn't been overly tough, Mortimer won't be thinking about that on game day.

"You can only beat who you're up against," he said.

"We won't be taking them lightly. They've been winning well so far."

As has been the case with Mortimer all season, he won't be paying too much attention to who's in the other dressing shed, rather the focus will largely remain on his playing group.

The green and golds have plenty of depth across the park, and those stocks will be put to the test this weekend as front rower Cam Jones will miss the match with a footy injury.

"We've had a few younger boys step up this year," he said.

"Sammy Warner's going to make his debut this weekend. It's really nice to see these younger boys debut for us."

Joe Lasagavibau will return from a shoulder injury to play alongside Mortimer.

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