by Nicholas Duck
A famous name returns to Drouin this week as the Hawks look for their second win of the year.
Meanwhile, Warragul will head away as they attempt a major upset.
Drouin vs Morwell
The Little Master is in the house.
Former AFL superstar Gary Ablett Jr will be the talk of the town this weekend when he takes the field for Drouin's match against Morwell.
Ablett will help to feature the club's indigenous round celebrations, which include a specially designed guernsey, a welcome to country smoking ceremony and a name change to Brayakaloong Hawks.
He will, of course, be returning to the club where his famous father had his start, bringing the Ablett family's legacy in town full circle.
A bumper crowd is expected, but outside of all that what the Hawks would love nothing more is a win.
The stage was set last week against Warragul in the Western Derby, only for Drouin to forget their lines.
They were beaten up around the ball and outworked in their forward half by the Gulls' defenders.
Given the confidence they took away from their drought-breaking first win of the season just two weeks prior, it was a poor showing.
Well now they have a chance to right those wrongs as they deal with what will no doubt be the most attention they receive this season.
It makes it an interesting prospect for their opponents, who just need to keep winning.
The Tigers are an outside chance of snatching Sale's top five spot, but to do so they need to beat the teams they should while also claiming a scalp or two.
This game, despite Ablett's presence, will likely fall under the former for them.
Ablett's inclusion will provide a sense of experience and class the Hawks have lacked at times, and his leadership should prove invaluable.
All eyes will be on the Drouin Recreation Reserve on Saturday. Will the Hawks rise to the occasion?
Moe vs Warragul
The Gulls earned a much-needed boost of confidence last week, knocking off their rivals to make it two from two in this year's Western Derbies.
Now they must stare down a different kind of challenge when they head off to face Moe.
Warragul showed a hard edge at the contest last week, thanks in large part to the return of Tom Hobbs.
They were aggressive when they needed to be, while also showing a defensive discipline to keep the game on their terms.
All of that will be needed, and more, given the calibre of their opponents this week.
Moe currently sit at third on the ladder and, like the sides around them, have premiership intentions.
They got the job done in what could have been a danger match against the Tigers last week and will be eyeing this off as a chance to stay a step ahead in the race for top three.
Jake Hughes played a masterful hand down back for the Gulls when they met the Hawks, and his likely match-up with Moe forward Billy Gowers will be one to watch.
Coming in for the Gulls are the teenage troops - Jasper Alger, Lane Ward, Patrick Ireland, Tom Stern and Liam Serong all return and will all be keen to make an impact.
The last meeting between these two was one to forget for Warragul as they went down to the tune of 98 points.
A win here would be a massive upset, but at the least they'll be looking to make Moe earn every kick they get.
Other games
It's a top five tussle when Leongatha plays Traralgon.
With each member of the top five sitting at 10 and two, these games could be season-defining.
On paper the Parrots get the job done having knocked off the Maroons earlier this year, but with Brett Eddy coming in with an 11-goal performance as his most recent, this will be one to watch.
Sale will look to challenge the most in-form team in the league when they meet Wonthaggi.
The Magpies are currently holding onto fifth spot but need to keep the wins coming to maintain it.
It's going to be a challenge this week, given the Power are on a nine-game winning streak, with two of their victims being Leongatha and Moe.
If Sale wants to play finals, they'll have to earn it.
Finally, Maffra hosts Bairnsdale.
These two played out a thrilling draw in round one when the Eagles made a stirring comeback late in the fourth.
The Redlegs will be keen to not see a repeat of that result, especially since they're still holding onto the faintest of finals hopes.
Both will be keen for a win here.