Coach Paul Ivers said this.

The Barbarians have opened the year with losses in the first two games - both by just one goal. Last week against Wallis Lake the scores were locked at 0-0 until late in the second half when Lakes broke the deadlock.

Ivers said both efforts from Old Bar have been encouraging. However, he added now it's time to get three points for a win.

"We don't want the same situation as last year when we slipped off the pace early. If we're going to be a semi-final contender we need to get points,'' he said.

Saints have a draw and a loss from two games and sit a point ahead of Old Bar on the ladder.

The Barbarians will welcome Miles Thornton back tomorrow after he was unavailable against Lakes.

"He'll give us more pace,'' Ivers said.

Paul Smith has also recovered from injury and will take his place while Angus Burn is back and he'll start in reserve grade but Ivers said it is likely he'll be used at some stage in firsts.

Ivers said rain this week could make playing conditions difficult. The Barbarians are still working on the main field at the Trad Complex and are currently playing on their training ground.

"It won't be a billiard table,'' he said of the surface.

"There won't be any Champions League quality football there this weekend.''

In other games this weekend Maclay Valley will be at home to Camden Haven while Port United and Port Saints meet at Dixie Park.