by Nicholas Duck
Round 15 of the Gippsland League is not one to be missed this week, as second meets third in a game that has major ramifications for the top three, while the two sides jostling for fifth spot play off in what may just be the most meaningful match thus far in season 2022. There are great games everywhere you loom, and here's how they're all shaping up.
Saturday July 23
2:20pm start for all matches
Bairnsdale vs Drouin
Location: Bairnsdale City Oval
Two teams that that have endured tough seasons meet this week as they both look to create some late season joy to carry into the off season.
The beginning of a rebuild is often a difficult time for any club, as Drouin have discovered this season. The Hawks have, at times, shown plenty of promise and development, particularly through the middle period of the year, but as the season has worn on and their young legs have tired things have become quite the slog for the team.
Drouin's past two weeks have resulted in losses by 102 points and 86 points respectively, and with opportunities to win having been few and far between this looms as a potential opportunity.
Bairnsdale have been made to tolerate a similarly hard year, having won just one more game than the Hawks. The Redlegs have often been cruelled by injuries and illness, but even without those factors have struggled to match it with most of their opponents.
They'll be buoyed by their record at home against Drouin though, having defeated the Hawks on their own turf the past eight times, with 2011 being the last time Drouin tasted victory at the Bairnsdale City Oval.
With that sort of record, coupled with the fact that Bairnsdale won the encounter between the two sides earlier this year, it's hard to go past the Redlegs for this game.
Make no mistake though, with a much-needed win on the line Drouin won't die wondering.
Morwell vs Maffra
Location: Morwell Recreation Reserve
In what is potentially the match of the round, if not the season, Morwell hosts Maffra in what could be a season-defining clash for both sides.
With the top four seemingly settled by this point, it means there's just one spot left up for grabs to play finals in season 2022. As things stand it's currently Morwell that holds fifth position, with Maffra right on their heels in sixth.
The Tigers have one more win on the board, but with Maffra's far superior percentage it means that Morwell will have to keep winning if they want to cap off what has been a spectacular season with what once seemed to be an unlikely finals appearance.
If Morwell has anything it's heart, as they displayed last week as they ran Leongatha all the way to the final siren on the Parrots' home deck. In the end, they'll consider themselves desperately unlucky not to have ended Leongatha's incredible win streak, but will have to quickly turn their thoughts to this clash.
Maffra, meanwhile, have shown that while they are no longer the indominable side we once knew them to be, on their day they are still a force to be reckoned with, and should they make finals they have the experience to frighten any side.
The Eagles just barely got over the line last time against the Tigers, but Morwell's improvement over the course of the season has been evident to anyone who's watched them, and at home they'll be tough to beat.
This will be a battle between the exuberant youth of Morwell and the highly experienced heads of Maffra. Now the question remains: who wants it more?
Sale vs Moe
Location: Sale Oval
Sale have won their past three games and will be looking for more as they meet Moe at home.
With the race for the top three, or more accurately second and third position given Leongatha's dominance, being as close as it is, the Magpies have a strong chance here to make their move as they look to secure a double chance in the finals.
If they want it though, they'll have to get through a team that will be playing with their entire season on the line.
After a blistering start to the year things have turned sour for Moe, having won just two of their past eight matches. They managed to secure a much-needed victory last week against Bairnsdale and still sit just one win outside the top five, but with the end of the year fast approaching it's now or never for the Lions.
The return of Matthew Barrand will be a boost, but at the same time last week's four-goal hero Jess McGrath goes out. It's a solid indication of the issues that have plagued the Lions' senior side, as they've has to endure a run with injuries the likes of which have rarely been seen in the Gippsland League.
But even more damning for the Lions is their record at Sale's home ground. Moe hasn't won at the venue since 2002, and if they want to make anything of their year that's a hoodoo they simply must break this week.
As things stand though it's difficult to see it happening.
Warragul vs Leongatha
Location: Western Park
Warragul were found wanting last week against a genuine top three side in Traralgon and will be looking to show some improvement this week against Wonthaggi.
The Gulls just couldn't match the Maroons in any area of the ground, being totally outworked and outplayed in a contest that was essentially over by quarter time. It was an especially disappointing result given that when the two teams met earlier in the year, the Gulls played a complete team game to secure their first win of the year.
And things only get harder this week against the seemingly unbeatable Leongatha.
The Parrots are yet to taste defeat this year, and though they've been pushed hard by multiple sides, including Morwell last week, they've found a way each and every time.
Adding to the difficulty of the task for Warragul is the fact that they'll be without star midfielder Nick Graham, while the Parrots will be boosted by the return of league superstars Tom Marriott and Cade Maskell.
It all points towards this game being Warragul's biggest challenge of the season. They've risen to the occasion at times, but if there's any time to stand up, it's now.
Wonthaggi vs Traralgon
Location: Wonthaggi Recreation Reserve
Second meets third in what looms as a game that could decide the make-up of the top three.
Both teams come into this one with some strong form, with Wonthaggi having won six of their last seven while Traralgon have won seven of their last nine.
All signs point towards this being a blockbuster for fans, as the winner will be in pole position to secure second spot on the ladder. The last six games between the two has seen the home side prevail which will be a good sign for Power fans, but with the average winning margin in those games being just 17 points it'll be a stressful one for supporters of both clubs.
The return of playing coach Jake Best will certainly help the Maroons' case, and they'll need him as this looks to be an early preview of finals action.
In terms of tipping a winner it's a very tough prospect, but with their solid home record Wonthaggi will have the edge.
Either way, fans should be in for a treat.