After a strong win in the first fixture of the year, against Cootamundra on November 17, Goulburn had the bye on December 8 as Cootamundra and Wagga were set to battle.

However, Wagga had to forfeit the match due to a lack of players, which secured Goulburn a spot in the final, regardless of the result of the upcoming clash on January 19.

Though the match against Wagga in just over a week's time is effectively a dead rubber, Goulburn captain Dane Stevenson knows none of his players will take it for granted.

With some key team members set to return, Stevenson expects plenty of strong performances ahead of the final on February 23.

"We did a very good job in Coota under some pretty tough circumstances, and there's a few blokes who weren't there for selection due to ACT commitments, they're obviously in line for selection as well," Stevenson said.

Brad Smith, Josh Watling, Jock Cartwright, and Archie Wearne are among those expected to return for Goulburn.

While this means that some of the players from the winning team in round one will miss out, Stevenson is happy to see the competition for spots in the side.

"Everyone was aware this year that you make yourself available, and everyone knew that the best team available is going to be picked," he said.

"You want a bit of competition for your spot."

As Goulburn has only played one prior season in the Stribley Shield, Stevenson is as yet unsure of exactly what to expect from Wagga.

Though the forfeit indicates a struggle for players, Wagga has won the Stribley Shield seven times and lost the grand final to Yass in 2017/18.

"The Riverina comp is very strong, but it depends who they send for representation in that team," Stevenson said.

"Whether it's full strength or a mixture of youth and experience, we don't really know. Based solely on their representation last year, they were a very strong team."

Regardless of the team put forward by Goulburn, Stevenson is confident his side can win the competition this year.

"If we've got our strongest 12 players on the field, we'll be very competitive," he said. "I think we've got a very good chance of beating whoever is in front of us."

With roughly 16 players vying for selection, Stevenson did not envy the choices faced by Bob Smith, the head of the selection committee.

"It's going to be a tough couple of weeks for Bob, and there hasn't been a lot of cricket [on which to base his selections]," Stevenson said.

The third round of the Stribley Shield will take place on Sunday, January 19, between Wagga and Goulburn in Wagga Wagga. It will be followed by the grand final on February 23.

Cootamundra currently leads the competition with seven points, while Goulburn is in second on six points, and Wagga is third with zero.

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