by Rob Popplestone
A modern day David and Goliath clash looms in round four of Mid Gippsland football on Saturday.
However, I fear the game between Foster and Hill End may have a very different outcome.
Foster v Hill End
As courageous as Hill End has shown itself to be, Foster is jam packed full of talent and seemingly improving their connection and understanding of each other.
Foster coach Sam Davies said Hill End had challenged a few teams early and no doubt keen to bounce back strongly after the weekend.
"There might be the last Duursma running around for us, which is exciting for the whole community," Davies added.
The name Duursma is enough to send a few chills down the spine. Willem, who has a bye from Gippsland Power duties, has three siblings playing AFL or AFLW. All four are chock-a-block full of talent.
The Rovers will make the trip hoping for the best. Whatever the outcome, they are trying as best they can to protect the development of many younger players.
Hill End coach Adrian Burns said getting beaten like they did by MDU last week "isn't good".
"But, I really can't question my boy's efforts," Burns said. "If we continue to give effort as we are, improve as we are, it will click. I'm not sure when, but I believe it will."
It is unlikely to be this week but if the Hillsmen can come out the other end, healthy of body and mind and learn along the way, there is no question they will be better for the experience.
Newborough v Thorpdale
The Bulldogs were on the end of a defeat at the hands of Foster before Easter. Rather than being able to get straight back on the bike, they have had to wait the extra week complements of the bye. Back at home and with a desire to bounce back quickly, they appear ready to do so.
Newborough coach Pat Frendo said the game against Thorpdale would be a good test.
"Two weeks off this early in the year has given some sore bodies a chance to rest, so I'm excited to see how we come out on Saturday against a really strong Thorpdale team," Frendo said.
The Blues have been a few "soldiers" short in recent weeks, so much so that Thorpdale coach Daniel "Tac" Taylor had to put the boots on himself. Although he himself performed admirably, there were some areas he has clearly identified for improvement.
"We had too many lapses in concentration and too many basic skill errors which gifted Foster easy goals," Taylor said. "Credit where credit is due though, I thought Foster were fantastic."
Expecting a tough game against Newborough, Taylor said it was a big game for both clubs.
"They'll be rested after two weeks off while our depth has been severely tested," he added.
It's a hard enough time to meet Newborough at the Kennel, let alone when running a little thin on personnel. This game is sure to test the Blues but, as they have proven many times before, underestimate them at your own peril.
Fish Creek v Stony Creek
A fortnight of football can quite possibly make or break a team; a scenario the Lions currently face.
Last week's clash with Yinnar, followed by this weekend's match against the reigning premiers, is about as tough as it gets in the MGFNL.
After going down to a well drilled Yinnar side who were simply too good on the day, Stony Creek coach Troy Shepherdson said he expected Fish Creek to provide a tough, contested game.
"Now we get to have another crack at one of the best sides in the comp," Shepherdson said. "Good to see if we learnt anything from the week before and can bounce back."
In football, as in life, you only ever lose if you don't learn, so the effort and application from the Lions over this two-week period will be closely monitored by Shepherdson.
No matter where these two sides sit, a close contest happens more often than not.
Fish Creek coach Jarrod Walker is expecting another tough game.
"We always match up well against each other, and always proves to be a close game," Walker said.
Fish Creek will no doubt start favourites but this game will see more learnt about Stony Creek, win, lose or draw.
MDU v Boolarra
The moons have aligned and delivered maybe the match of the season between the two in-form Demon sides.
Boolarra haven't had a three win start to the season since 2008. They face a side also in fine form and given extra incentive given it is MDU's past players' day.
MDU coach Rhett Kelly said it was a big game and "a great opportunity for our current playing group to connect with our past players and supporters, with plenty of stories to be told".
"I hope we can come out and put on a great game of footy for them to watch," Kelly added.
The clash of the Demons is an important and testing one for Boolarra. They have been hit with some injuries, will leave their home ground and then face another big challenge in a fortnight.
"We will be down a few players again next week with in-game injuries again cruelling us," Boolarra coach Brendan Mason said. "We look forward to the challenge of our first away game of the year and testing ourselves against an MDU side that has been super impressive so far in 2025."
"With Foster waiting the week after, we are looking forward to the challenge of what could be a season defining couple of games for the club," Mason said.
A lot has been said about both clubs. The 120 minutes on Saturday will answer - or maybe pose - many questions.
Tarwin v Morwell East
To say this is a crucial match for both sides would be a massive understatement.
Tarwin, desperate to showcase its talent in front of a home ground crowd, will face a desperate to find a win in any way they can.
The Sharks realise the enormity of the challenge after finding some satisfaction and positives from last week's loss.
"I did feel our endeavour and intent was good all day," Tarwin coach Lachie Jones said. "Now we look to regroup back on our home ground against another test in Morwell East."
The Hawks and their community had high hopes for 2025. However, at this early stage, it has just not been working. Although there is ample time to turn things around, that time will quickly run out.
"Boolarra was better for longer," Morwell East coach Paul Henry said of last week. "Their pressure was excellent and they used the ball better than we did. We were good in patches, then a send off in the third quarter really did some damage. Hopefully we can bounce back against Tarwin."
Another loss would certainly have the Hawks under more pressure than anticipated, however, they have responded in similar scenarios before. Who is to say that Tarwin are not feeling the exact same pressure.
Yinnar v Mirboo North
Yinnar has shown no ill effects of 2024 grand final disappointment. If anything, there is a very strong sense they have bounced back even stronger and hungrier.
The Magpies first three rounds resulted in impressive victories.
"Overall we were glad to get another win on the board," Yinnar coach Sam McCulloch said. "This weekend I am just excited and looking forward to coming up against crosstown rival Mirboo North, who will be full of confidence after their first win. Will have to be on our game as they always come to play against us."
It's the Tigers turn to have a crack against the unbeaten Yinnar. No doubt the Magpies on their home turf pose an imposing opponent for a Tigers team on the rebuild.
After his boys responded to get a win on their home deck, Mirboo North coach Damien Turner is excited for Saturday.
"A great challenge for the group against a side on top of their game," Turner said. "Can't wait."
Turner is sure to learn plenty about his team as they face the benchmark team at this early stage of the season. Tere is no doubt the Tigers are looking to bounce back up the ladder this year, and this clash will be a crucial part of their development.
Bye: Toora.