Ripley Valley host Samford in Sunday's 4pm match at Ironbark Park, South Ripley.
Having a bye in round 2, Ripley Valley face an unknown higher level opposition.
"Ideally, you'd like the competitive games,'' Paterson said.
"They are a QPL (Queensland Premier League) 2 side so I don't know what they've picked up. I know they've lost a couple of boys in the transition.''
Ripley Valley FC captain Alex Weatherby at club training, having just encouraged a group of young footballers. Picture: David Lems
Ripley Valley have also incurred some player movement with key striker Michael Leach and the Drager brothers Peter and Andy among the departures.