by Rob Popplestone
It has taken a fair chunk of the season, but slowly a divide is beginning to build between those who can and those who are unlikely to find a way into the top half of the ladder.
It may be even clearer after round eight is played on Saturday.
Stony Creek v Thorpdale
A week is a long time in football. Seven days can change the way you view a team, or even two.
This clash between two sides of contrasting fortunes may produce an unlikely close clash.
Just seven days ago, Thorpdale produced one of its most impressive performances of the season. However, Stony Creek also showcased what they are capable of when they pushed the unbeaten Newborough to within an inch or two of its life.
Thorpdale coach Jason Winderlich said the road trip to Stony Creek would be one of the toughest for the year.
"Their current ladder position is not a true reflection of how good they are," Winderlich said. "They now have a full, healthy list which can beat any team, which was proven against Newborough."
"We head over as the underdog, but it's another opportunity to test ourselves against quality opposition," he added.
In the last month, Thorpdale has responded like a side who has quickly developed into a finals contender, four wins in four weeks is testimony to that.
However, a loss of effort in such an even competition - even by a small margin, could spell disaster.
Stony Creek coach Chris VerBoon said it was a big game for his team.
"They are travelling well and it should shape up to be another great game of footy," VerBoon said.
Thorpdale has managed to claw themselves into the top half of the ladder, but you sense they would - or could - climb even higher. This weekend's clash against Stony Creek will determine whether that is possible.
Tarwin v Hill End
A couple of questions will be answered this weekend, one of which is - are Tarwin back?
The second is, are the Sharks likely to continue to produce less than predictable performances?
This round eight match is sure to answer both questions.
On their day, the Sharks seem capable of mixing it with some of the best. But, that best has rarely been seen in 2023.
Tarwin coach Troy Hemming said he was ready for a curve ball from Hill End coach Mike Santo.
The Sharks have fallen quite a way from their lofty heights of last season. However, on the back of their impressive win last week, the Tarwin team all respected last season might just be ready to bubble back to something like their best.
Hill End continues to keep on keeping on, even when searching for their first win has become a frustrating exercise. They will be buoyed by some signs of improvement in recent weeks.
"Some encouraging signs from our young players again which was good," Santo reflected. "This week it's another tough game against my old mate Troy at Tarwin."
The Sharks need to win for the sake of their season, and the Rovers need a win for the sake of their sanity.
Boolarra v Mirboo North
Sometimes a loss can hurt you for more than one week. For these two teams, the impact of last week's losses are likely to be shown up in the first 30 minutes.
A loss could kill off one of these two team's seasons, such is the importance of securing a victory.
Mirboo North coach Peter Mongta said his team travels to neighbours Boolarra who have been on the wrong side of some close games lately.
"I know Tony G (Giardina) would have had his eye on this game some weeks ago, so we expect another big contest," Mongta said.
In simple terms, a loss for Mirboo North would have the Tigers' season hanging in the balance as they hit round nine, the halfway mark of the season.
However, a loss for Boolarra, would almost certainly kill off the Demons' hopes of finals football.
"Winning is like a habit, unfortunately losing is as well," Giardina said. "Mirboo this week is a must-win to start getting some wins on the board."
You sense Boolarra could be due for a change of luck. If ever it was needed, it is this weekend on their home deck.
Toora v MDU
There had been promising signs from Toora early in the season, but the last fortnight has proven to be a testing time for the Magpies.
MDU will aim to continue the heartache for the home team and, in doing so, give themselves the chance to climb further up the MGFNL ladder.
"This week we have Toora which I have been told can be a very tough place to play," MDU coach Nathan Allen said. "Hopefully we can keep building and come away with another win away from home."
The Demons have been going about their business in a matter of fact kind of way. No fanfare, but just honest, organised football. It is a style sure to test Toora, even on the Magpies' home ground.
Toora coach Jack Weston said MDU had enjoyed a good month and would be a challenge.
"Hopefully we will get a few back and give our 1973 premiership team who have their reunion something to cheer about," Weston said.
The fact that the champions of 50 years ago are making an effort to support the Toora team of today, should be enough to inspire the Magpies to one of their better efforts of the season.
Yinnar v Fish Creek
A match-up between two in-form teams is always an exciting time, and this clash between the second placed Yinnar and third placed Fish Creek promises plenty.
As each week passes, both the Magpies and the Kangaroos have quickly lifted to a level just above most in the competition.
Round eight is destined to put one team into the ideal position from which to launch their second half of the season.
"A big game against what looks like the dominant team for the year, and then a well earned bye," Fish Creek coach Jarrod Weston said.
While Fish Creek looks for a rest on the bye weekend, Yinnar is coming off a week break and is ready for a fierce contest.
Yinnar coach Daniel Taylor said the bye came at a perfect time.
"We should get seven, maybe even eight, guys back across the board to really strengthen both our squads for the rest of the season," Taylor said.
The prospect of an already good club welcoming back as many as eight players, will be enough to send a chill through other clubs in the competition, not least this week's opponent in Fish Creek.
Bye: Newborough.
Morwell East and Foster also gained a weekend off after playing their clash as a season opener back on April 15.
In that game, Morwell East 8.8-56 defeated Foster 7.8-50.