Golden opportunity for Hawks, tough test for Gulls

Anzac Round comes to the Gippsland League this week, with plenty to play for after a riveting round two.
Drouin will take a trip down the highway as they search for their first win, while Warragul will be out for redemption after a poor performance last week.
Bairnsdale vs Drouin
Bairnsdale City Oval, Saturday 2:20pm
Drouin's attempts to get on the board in season 2023 will see them head down the highway to Bairnsdale to face the new-look Redlegs.
The Hawks have been a highly competitive unit thus far, going down by single digits in both of their opening matches.
New coach Brent Clinnick has them playing bold, fearless football, and there appears to be a level of belief in their young group that has had them up for the fight.
What hasn't come though is the wins. The Hawks are clearly in the early stages of a rebuild and as such the number of games they win won't be the main focus. But to keep spirits high, there's no doubt they'd love to break through for a victory.
They'll be seeing this as a significant chance too, given what they accomplished last time they were at the Bairnsdale City Oval.
Having only claimed a win just once in their history on the Redlegs' home turf, the Hawks utilised a four-goals-to-none final quarter to win their second game for the season.
What's going against them, however, is that Bairnsdale appear a very different prospect to the side that ran out last season.
The Redlegs are one of three undefeated teams in the league, alongside Moe and Leongatha.
They were forced to settle for a draw against Maffra in round one following an Eagle goal after the siren, though they really should have won that game given their lead in the final quarter.
What was more impressive, though, was their surprise three-point win over Sale last week. The Redlegs had not tasted victory against the Magpies in any of their past nine encounters and, though Sale were undermanned, an away win against last year's runners-up will have the Redlegs full of confidence.
New recruits like ex-AFL player Xavier Richards, as well as Lachlan Byrne-Jones (brother of Port Adelaide's Darcy) and Will Mitchell (brother of Collingwood's Tom) have them looking like a radically different side to the team that finished ninth last year. It should be noted though that Mitchell will miss this match due to an injury sustained in the first half last week.
Drouin also have some changes to their line-up from last week, with six outs including the Kingis, both Jordan and Clayton. The ins include Harry Wans, Charlie Bethune and Gippsland Power captain Seb Amoroso.
All of which sets up an intriguing game to be played. Both sides have reason to believe they can win this game and, regardless of the result, it should make for a fun watch.
Warragul vs Leongatha
Western Park, Saturday 2:20pm
Warragul were left licking their wounds after a dispiriting defeat last week, and things don't get any easier for them as they meet the reigning premiers.
The Gulls were completely outclassed in their clash against Moe, managing just 1.3 on their way to a 97-point loss, the equal-lowest round two score in the history of the Gippsland League.
They were competitive enough in the first quarter. But past that point, they were simply unable to threaten the scorers, kicking one behind in three quarters.
Their lack of any sort of tall target was stark, but it was the ease with which Moe moved the ball through the middle of the ground that would leave them equally concerned.
It was especially disappointing given their solid round one win over Drouin. Though the Gulls were missing some important names from that match, the difference in their ball movement between games was stark.
Given the number of times Moe went inside 50, the Gulls backmen did put up an admirable fight. Unless they sort out their issues in the middle and up forward, things are going to be tough.
And given who their opponent is this week, tough might be an understatement.
Leongatha have been marching onwards, their winning streak now up to 30 straight.
The Parrots went completely undefeated last season on their way to another premiership, and things have been business as usual so far this season.
They've been challenged in both of their matches, against Traralgon and Wonthaggi respectively, but as they've so often done, they've found a way to come out on top.
Leongatha will present the ultimate challenge for Warragul, who have not beaten the Parrots at home since 2013.
A host of names return to the Warragul side, including Nick Mulqueen and Lachlan Collihole as well as youngsters Patrick Ireland, Tom Stern and Liam Serong.
Leongatha will be similarly reinforced however, with premiership stars Cade Maskell and Arron Hillberg sure to cause some headaches.
While Gulls fans may not necessarily be expecting a win, there's no doubt they'll be looking for a stronger effort on the scoreboard than last week.
Other games
Wonthaggi will host Moe in a match between two sides with genuine premiership credentials.
The Power were unable to get over the line against Leongatha last week, and will be hoping to bounce back in style.
For the Lions, this will be their first real test against a side that has been near the top of the ladder for a while now. Should they win this, the conversation surrounding their chances at the flag will become that much louder.
Sale play off against Maffra in the 'Battle of the Birds' as they try to get their season back on track.
Last year's runners-up haven't found the start they would have hoped for, with losses against Wonthaggi and Bairnsdale leaving them anchored to the bottom of the table.
They've been missing plenty of their star names, but last week's defeat to the Redlegs would have them concerned.
Maffra, meanwhile, look totally outclassed in their defeat to Traralgon last round. It's not a position fans are used to seeing the Eagles in, but unless something clicks quickly it appears that their indifferent form from last season is here to stay.
Finally, it's a twilight special when Traralgon welcomes Morwell to their home ground for some evening footy.
The last time these two met it was an elimination final, with the experienced Maroons getting the best of the young Tigers that day.
Both sides come into this one 1-1, having both taken the four points last week.
Given the primetime slot they'll be playing in, expect both teams to give it their all in front of a sizeable Traralgon crowd.