Childhood friends Brett Drewitt and Matthew Stieger say there will be no holding back when they face off in the final round of the Oates Vic Open tomorrow.

Drewitt, from Inverell in northern New South Wales, will take a one-shot lead into tomorrow’s final round ahead of Stieger, who grew up in nearby Narrabri, and will be joined in the final group by 2013 OneAsia Order of Merit winner Victoria’s Matthew Griffin.

Chasing his first Professional win, Drewitt sank an eight foot birdie on 18 to secure the top spot at 5-under-par and says he’s looking forward to tomorrow’s PGA Tour of Australasia showdown.

"The battle of the country NSW boys," said Drewitt who intends to use their long-time friendship to his advantage.

"I think you’ll see a friendly match up but we’re going to be trying to beat each other at the same time."

"We’ve played a lot of golf together. I know his game like the back of my hand so I’m going to put a lot of pressure on him."

Having stepped out of the Amateur ranks a year before his mate Drewitt, Stieger made an immediate impression on the Tour taking out the NSW PGA Championship in only his sixth Professional event.

And, still smiling this afternoon despite bogeying his final hole of the day, the 23-year-old credited his early success to his strong mental attitude which he hopes to carry with him into Sunday’s round.

"It’s about staying in the moment and not thinking too far ahead. Just enjoying it really," said Stieger who tried to apply positive reinforcement to all aspects of his game.

"Like making a bogey and laughing about it rather than getting angry and making another bogey the following hole."

Now living in Sydney, Stieger is preparing to play a full 2014 schedule on the Asian Tour and says the weather conditions at 13th Beach Golf Links may well be the secret weapon he needs to claim his second PGA Tour of Australasia title.

"I’m a member at St Michaels now which is right on the ocean so this (wind) is perfect for me," he said.

"It’s still tricky out there but I’m hoping tomorrow it blows even harder and I can get out there and do some more good golf."

Melbourne’s Matthew Griffin and Terry Pilkadaris will start Round 4 two back from Drewitt’s lead tied for fourth position.

A further shot back at 2-under-par former European Tour champion Richard Green made one of the biggest impressions of the day shooting a 5-under 67 to contend for his first Vic Open title.

"I’ve been wanting to win this tournament since I was an amateur," said Green who reverted to an old putter this week to overcome recent woes on the greens.

"I’m desperate to keep playing well and I’ve still got a couple of years to go I reckon. I feel fit, fitter than I was last year, so we’ll see."